I love saving money as much as the next person, and buying big-ticket items used is a good way to do it. Facebook Marketplace is a super easy way to score deals near you … but there are certain things you should stay far away from.
Three scams targeting Millennials
From fake job offers to AI crypto cons, the schemes are sneakier than ever. Here’s how to spot them before they drain your wallet.
🩸 Metabolism in HD: Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) track blood sugar in real time, and now Signos is FDA-cleared to use Dexcom’s Stelo sensor with an AI app. Every snack, nap and jog gets graphed. Levels offers the same at $99/month plus subscription. Data-driven metabolism is here, helping you spot risks, optimize your engine and dodge future diabetes.
Almost every 24 hours
How often Chipotle plans to open a new restaurant this year. To pull it off, they’ll need lots of new hires, and that’s where AI comes in. Their “Ava Cado” tool chats with candidates, collects info and sends out offers. Apparently, it’s so good it’s cut hiring time by around 75%. Wish they could do that for prices.
🎓 Take a class about AI: MIT OpenCourseWare offers free classes from beginner to ethics. Plus, you get bragging rights: “I just finished an MIT class about AI.” Amazing. Did you know that evil scientists get their degree at the Poison Ivy League?
Are you on carrier cruise control? I use Consumer Cellular, which offers the same reliable coverage as the big guys but for much less. Two lines for just $60 with unlimited talk, text and data. No hidden fees, just great coverage and U.S.-based customer service. AARP discounts available, too. Save $25 with the code KIM25.
💖 Fastpass to love: You can now find your Disney partner obsession in a new dating app called Single Riders. You can plan park dates, geek out over hidden Mickeys or sing “It’s a small world” together. If Goofy offers you style goals, this one’s for you.
☕ Starbucks Secret Menu is out: It’s now officially in the app under the offers tab, starting with fan favorites: Cookies on Top, Dragonfruit Glow-Up, Just Add White Mocha, and Lemon, Tea & Pearls. Bonus: There’s also a Secret Menu Contest running until July 20. You could win up to $25,000. Try this for fun: The next time you go to Starbucks, tell them your name is “Bueller.” Don’t go the first time they call your name! 😂
The $100M cold email: Mark Zuckerberg is personally sliding into researchers’ DMs (like key OpenAI personnel) with $100 million job offers (paywall link). He’s hosting dinners, reading white papers and, yes, planning people’s desk locations himself. It’s like a Black Mirror reboot of Undercover Boss, except the boss is a billionaire trying to build Skynet.
📱 Job text scam-a-palooza: Scammers are texting people fake job offers (i.e., Target hiring you to click buttons for $200/hr), and folks are falling for it (paywall link). Losses topped $470 million last year. AI makes these scams dangerously believable, and Gen Z is out here click-click-clicking their way into identity theft.
🌴 It’s not just beds anymore: Airbnb just leveled up with its new services live in 260+ cities. The app now offers spa treatments, private chefs, personal trainers and more. Basically, it evolved from “couch in Berlin” to celebrity-led adventures like Megan Thee Stallion’s anime-themed “Otaku Hottie Quest,” whatever that means.
Scam on the line: Phone buzzing with job offers? You’re not alone. Fake posts scammed folks out of $61 million last year, up from $14.8 million in 2023. When money’s tight, scammers know you might take a job you’d usually think twice about. Jobs where the CEO’s email ends in .biz.ru? Pass.
Up in the clouds: Before you pay for storage, know that the free versions might be all you need. Google Drive gives you 15GB, Dropbox Basic offers 2GB and OneDrive throws in 5GB. No one says you can’t make a couple accounts …
Get free eBooks, movies and more
When’s the last time you got something for free? Your local library offers tons of free eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and more — all online!
Bonus episode: The Kim Komando Show, April 13
A new tech ban is coming, this time it targets Russia. Trade your data for money? I tell you the real cost of cash-incentive offers (it’s not pretty). True crime lovers — here’s a side hustle you won’t want to miss. Plus, a gal wonders if her Roomba records her. Creepy!