On this episode of The Current AI Podcast, George shares secret real estate hacks to elevate your snooping game, AI tips for writing difficult messages and obituaries, the latest docusign scam and much more.
🤖 Deepfake diplomacy panic: Someone faked Marco Rubio, using AI-generated voice and messages to DM world leaders and U.S. officials via Signal. At least five targets bit, including three foreign ministers. The fake account even left voicemails. No word yet on who did it or if they got anything.
📱 Check for keyloggers on your phone: These apps can record keystrokes and messages, then send them to hackers. Common ones to watch out for? Hoverwatch and mSpy. Make it a habit to check your installed apps list regularly. If you spot something new or weird, Google the name to see what it is.
Use AI to write tricky messages: Think about the main points you need to get across, whether it’s to a neighbor, your kid’s teacher or customer service. Prompt: “Write a short, polite message that clearly says this.” No more overthinking or rewriting 20 times.
✍️ Send handwritten messages on iPhone: In the Messages app, open a convo and rotate your phone sideways. On the keyboard, tap the squiggly line button in the bottom-right. A large white space will appear. Write your note with your finger, hit Done and Send.
🍏 Share specific text in Safari: On iPhone, you can send someone a highlighted section from an article you’re reading. Just tap and hold the text, drag to select the part you want, then tap the Share button at the bottom. Choose Messages. Your link will include the quote you picked, right in the message. Neat.
Fake hotel scams are growing
Scammers are using fake hotel messages to steal your details and wipe your bank account. Learn how to spot the signs and protect yourself.
Paper coupons exploding: Well, not really. But Kroger got bullied into giving boomers and tech avoidants exactly what they wanted: real physical coupons. Print versions of digital-only deals drop every Wednesday. Just grab a flyer and flash it like it’s 2005. No app logins, no error messages from hell.
👀 A note about Google watching your texts: I told you about this yesterday, and the link worked for some people but not all. It’s surprisingly tricky to turn off Google’s Gemini AI text tracking. You’ve gotta manually yank its permissions. Think of it like breaking up with a clingy ex who still has a key. Head to gemini.google.com/apps and toggle the switch off for Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, etc. These might not pop up on your end, yet, but anticipate a rollout sometime before July 7.
🕳️ Google reads your texts: They’re doing it again. Starting July 7, Google’s Gemini AI will tap into your Phone, Messages, WhatsApp and more, even if you’ve opted out of activity tracking. Google calls it “good news.” I found the secret steps to stop this nonsense here. Otherwise, your texts will be stored, scanned and possibly read by a human along with the things, up to and including being sold to who knows who. Not cool.
😊 Add emojis fast: Want to add some spice to your messages? You don’t have to hunt for the right emoji or symbol. On Windows, press the Windows key + period (.). On Mac, hit Control + Command + Space. The full emoji panel will pop up right where your cursor is.
🙈 No peeking: Disabling message previews keeps prying off your texts. On iPhone, go to Settings > Notifications > Messages. For Android, it’s Settings > Notifications > App Notifications > Messages > Lock screen. Now that “urgent code” from your bank won’t show up while your phone’s unattended at a café.
Where cheaters really hide messages
Missed the signs? Check these secret apps and files cheaters use to cover their tracks. Be ready for what you find.
Thank-you texts are in: Millennials are making a habit of sending warm, heartfelt messages after hanging out with friends. Something like, “Had such a great time, so nice to see you!” Polite? Nope, just easing post-hangout anxiety about whether everyone had a good time.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: In Facebook Messenger, type @everyone to notify everyone in the chat. It’s great for urgent messages.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Send your exact location via text: Tap the “i” or “+” in your Messages app and choose “Send My Location.”
⌨️ Shrink your iPad keyboard: Hate how the keyboard takes up half the screen in apps like Messages? You can make it smaller. Just place two fingers on the keyboard and pinch inward. It’ll turn into a smaller, floating keyboard you can drag anywhere. Want it back to full size? Pinch outward with two fingers.
💬 Wrong number scams: It starts with a random text like “Emily from the gym?” You reply “wrong number.” But instead of leaving you alone, they get friendly, pull on your heartstrings, then pitch an investment scam. Blame AI. It’s now easier to craft messages that feel personal. If you get one, don’t reply. Just block the number.
Email that deletes itself
Gmail has a hidden mode that makes your messages vanish. Here’s how to use it.
Selfies at the Pope’s funeral — May 3rd, Hour 4
Snapping pics with the Pope’s body? The Vatican wasn’t ready for smartphone culture. Plus, a new app uses AI to analyze your messages and tell you how compatible — or cringe — your past relationship was. I also talk to Stephanie from Mesa, Arizona, who fell for an online Ponzi scheme.