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!
Ask a tech expert: I'm being sextorted! What should I do?
I just got a scary email threatening to destroy all of my information — even naked pics on my computer. The email demanded I send payment in Bitcoins. What should I do?
— A reader in Oregon
I can imagine the sinking feeling when you got that email. The good news is these are pretty common scare tactics. So, just ignore the message.
That’s why you always need to have a backup. When you have a copy of your files and important stuff, if someone threatens to destroy them, you can tell ’em to pound sand.
You should back up your data with the 3-2-1 backup rule to be safe. Keep three copies of your important files — two on different storage media and one in an offsite location. I break it all down in my handy backup guide.
Finally, about the naked pics on your PC, use this trick to protect any, well, saucy photos and videos.
ChatGPT apps: The good, the bad and the scammy
I’ve been warning you for months to avoid anything claiming to be an official ChatGPT app since it wasn’t here yet. Good news: The ChatGPT app is now live, and you can download it … if you have an iPhone. (Open AI says the Android app is coming soon.)
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.
🏈 No more Mr. Dice guy: Online betting is legal in 30 states, and athletes know that better than anyone. Auburn Tigers QB Payton Thorne says he’s been getting random payment requests from people who lost money on bets after his team loses. He’s not the only one. Never gamble more than you’re willing to lose.
$12,500 award on eBay
It’s a 1990 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame statue given to the Kinks’ guitarist Dave Davies. The seller got his hands on it after Davies had a stroke and missed a storage unit payment. Looks like they figured out a deal, because the statue is marked as sold.
Next time a storm is looming, keep an eye out for imposters pretending to help you
What is a utility imposter scammer? Utility scams may strike at any time, but they’re widespread in areas with chaotic weather or the wake of natural disasters. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to spot a fraudulent scheme while busy with the hustle and bustle of life.
Don't want to use Google Pay? Samsung has its own digital wallet app
Samsung Wallet is a hybrid of two existing apps: Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass. This all-in-one app allows you to pay in multiple ways and store sensitive information. But how does it work?
If your Galaxy smartphone is compatible with Samsung Pay (Android 9 or above, not available on iOS), you can use Samsung Wallet.
🚨 Buddy, can you spare a phone? If a stranger or someone you don’t know very well asks to borrow your phone, don’t fall for it, even if it’s a teen. They’ll quickly access your payment apps and transfer money directly into their accounts. If you really want to help someone in need, offer to make the call for them and keep it on speaker.
Soon, airlines will have to refund you in cash or directly to your original payment method if they cancel or delay your flight. Same goes for if you paid for checked bags or in-flight Wi-Fi. These rules will roll out over the next six to 12 months.
These Veterans Day scams prove criminals have no shame
It’s not always easy to tell when you’re on the phone with a scammer. The usual warning signs you get from emails, such as spelling errors, are not there. But we’re here to help. Tap or click here for five surefire phrases that you’re talking to a scammer on the phone.
Why you should reconsider using buy now, pay later loans
If you have an ongoing subscription service, the easiest way to pay is to set up an autopay plan. If you’re worried about late fees and interest, autopay is one way to avoid those penalties.
While you may be tempted to spread autopayment plans around, some recurring charges are better off being paid as you go. For example, an annual fee may cost less per month than a monthly charge, but it could hit you hard when that annual payment comes due. Tap or click here for five bills you should never put on autopay.
Don't scan that QR code! Hackers are using them to steal your info and money
Scan a QR code and you can get information such as recipes, menus, website links, contact information, links to download apps, coupons and more. Quick Response (QR) codes are a barcode that can be read by a digital device and were initially created to track automotive parts.
5 secrets for making money with Amazon Mechanical Turk
COVID-19’s effects on the job market cannot be understated. In the last few months, more than 40 million unemployment claims were filed, and if you include workers in the gig economy, the number of unemployed Americans is probably even higher.
This powerful free office program can replace Microsoft Office
Students use Microsoft Word for their essays and accountants use Excel to crunch numbers. Business executives rely on PowerPoint to pitch new products. It’s expensive, but since it’s the gold standard of productivity software, few people think to replace Microsoft Office.
SCAM: Thieves have a smart new tactic to steal your coronavirus payment
Check your bank account and you may see a $1,200 payout, or even more, pending from the federal government.
The IRS has already begun sending coronavirus “economic impact payments,” and the money is sorely needed as millions of Americans are out of work or not making enough cash to pay their bills. Tap or click to see how you can get help with your internet bill if you can’t pay right now.