Pat Lawlor and his wife were first-time homebuyers, eager and ready to start the process. Things took a turn for the worse when Pat received an email from his “escrow officer” and sent over their down payment. Catch the full interview here. Buyer beware!
Your Venmo transactions aren't private
You know who can see your Venmo transactions? Spoiler: everyone. Here’s how to keep your payment history on the down-low.
🚨 Scrape me up before you go-go: The Atlantic just dropped a seriously creepy tool. Type in your name, and it’ll show whether your YouTube videos were quietly scraped to train AI. No permission, no payment, just … surprise! You helped build someone else’s billion-dollar model. I popped up 75 times. Unreal. Search for your name here.
Got an FSA or HSA? You can use those funds on Amazon for OTC meds, Fitbits and more. Just go to Account & Lists > Account > Your Payments > Add a payment method > Add an FSA or HSA card. Enter your info, hit Add your card, and you’re set. Here are all the eligible items. So smart.
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🔥 Today is the last day: Microsoft is killing off password storage in its Authenticator app. Your logins were migrated to Edge in early July, and the rest, like payment info, is toast tomorrow, Aug. 1. Passkeys are sticking around, but this is your sign to switch to a new password manager before your digital pantry gets cleaned out on Microsoft’s schedule. I use and recommend NordPass.
🦎 Gecko gotcha: Carrie just wanted cheaper car insurance, but Google served her scam. She clicked a fake Geico link, handed over everything (yes, even her SSN) and Venmo’d $400 to fraudsters. Didn’t realize the con until Geico HQ had no record of payment. Gotta watch where you click, folks.
Microsoft alert: Starting in June, you won’t be able to save new passwords in their Authenticator app. By July, it’ll stop autofilling passwords and delete saved payment info. Come August, all stored passwords will be wiped. Why? Microsoft’s moving password management to the Edge browser. I’m still not making the switch.
T-Mobile payout: Remember the 2021 data breach that exposed info from 76 million people? A class action lawsuit followed, and T-Mobile agreed to a $350 million settlement. Good news: Checks are going out this month. If you were part of the lawsuit, you could get back your losses or a flat payment of $25. Nothing says I’m sorry like a Chipotle bowl and a bottle of CVS wine.
💰 Struggling with debt? Ask your favorite chatbot to pretend to be your creditor to practice your pitch. Just say, “Imagine you’re my creditor. Let’s role-play negotiating an [adjustment, extension, etc.] to my payment plan, and then critique my strategy.” Leave out private info when chatting with the bot.
Use your e-wallet at the pump
Swiping your card at the pump? Find out why it’s risky and get a safer payment method.