Got a trip coming up? These are the best days to book a flight. Plus, update Google Chrome now if you have a Mac, why people are trying to get out of work, how to know if your boss is spying on you, use your PC’s step recorder feature and Amazon review tips.
Looking for a remote job? Use these tips to find a high-quality gig
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Remote jobs are a tantalizing prospect: You can work from the comfort of your own home, cutting out traffic, chatter from coworkers and other office distractions. Changing from a traditional job to a remote position can be challenging, especially if you’ve never worked from home. Finding legitimate work-from-home jobs can also be challenging since there are so many fake job scams.
They’re shockingly easy to fall for, too. Scammers use diabolical tricks to get your guard down and make you excited over jobs that don’t even exist. Tap or click here for 10 signs that a job posting is fake.
Luckily, there are a few red flags when hunting for remote jobs. We’ll break them all down in this handy guide. You’ll learn how to avoid work-from-home scams and know if a job is legit.
1. The sky is the limit, so don’t let locations limit you
Maybe you’re still in the traditional job-seeking headspace. You automatically look for jobs near you. Good news: When you’re working remotely, location barely matters.
For example, the Komando HQ is based in Phoenix, Arizona. One of our remote workers lives in South Africa. He keeps track of different time zones to turn his work in on time, so the team’s workflow is as smooth as butter despite the distance.
Let this be a lesson to you: Even when in doubt, apply to a remote job that appeals to you. You might think you’re too far away for your application to be considered. But if you have the skills, you deserve a chance, so don’t hold yourself back.
2. Go in with a good mindset
In other words, have high hopes but reasonable expectations. Expect scams and arm yourself with a robust cybersecurity system. Tap or click here for seven essential privacy tools to stay protected online.
Here are some safety precautions: Keep your devices protected just in case you fall for a false job. Avoid job positions that seem too good to be true since they’re probably fake. Also, don’t give away personal information until you’ve verified that the job is authentic.
Plus, remember that remote jobs are no less serious than office jobs. Although you aren’t commuting, you still need to be on your best behavior. Put just as much effort into your resume and cover letter as you would if you were applying for a traditional job. Look for companies that are well-known for hiring remote workers.
RELATED: Looking for work? Three sites to find free resume templates
Shopping guide: Ben's best-reviewed products of 2021
Over the past year, I’ve reviewed dozens of products, from battery chargers to motorized standing desks. While not every new gadget managed to wow me, quite a few made a positive impression.
They might do the same for you. There could even be a few that would make an excellent gift for someone you know — especially those who are difficult to buy for.
Update Chrome now, cash-saving travel tips, spot the real Amazon reviews
Most dangerous thing you can do if you're new to crypto
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Investing in crypto can be exhilarating and scary at the same time. Massive fluctuations in the price of Bitcoin have had many glued to the trading boards. If you invested just $10 in Bitcoin in 2010, that would be worth approximately $10.3 million today.
Data security tip: Best tax prep software, ranked
Tax season is in full swing. Like every tax season, scammers are on the hunt for unwitting victims. File too late and, whoops, someone already did in your name.
This year is set to be even more dangerous, with brand-new schemes already taking people for a ride. We have some warnings you can’t miss below on the biggest scams the IRS has spotted and what you can do about them.
New Google Maps features, Windows hack, video camera tricks
Hackers breached Twitter. This could put your whole digital world in danger. Plus, Google Maps is rolling out three new features that will change your future trips forever. Also, you’ll get insider Windows tips plus a few video camera tricks. We’re also taking you inside the FTC’s battle with fake reviews along with Meta’s fight to get rid of “leap seconds.”
Tech pants, guns and social media, restaurant scams
Are we seeing a fashion tech revolution? Here’s how to become a trailblazer. Plus, restaurant owners are in danger. Scammers might blackmail you with one-star reviews. Also, if you want a gun in New York, prepare for your social media accounts to be scrutinized.
R.I.P. robocalls, no more nudes, FTC vs. fake reviews
Fall for a fake review and you’ll waste your money. Liars swear a product works. Then it breaks when you use it. No refunds! The FTC will make your life easier by fining businesses that trick you like this. Plus, passwords are dead in the water and a new online dating trend will save you from the terror of random nudes. You also need to know why you aren’t getting car warranty robocalls anymore.
FTC taking on fake reviews
Do you read online reviews? Here’s why you should never trust them, in 60 seconds.
Digital Life Hack: How click farms trick you
Do you read the reviews when you’re shopping online? Listen now to find out how click farms muddy the waters.
Watch out for this scammy trick from Amazon's third party sellers
When I buy a product from Amazon, as millions do each day, I pay no attention to the product’s customer reviews. Far too many of them simply cannot be trusted.
Why you can't trust Amazon reviews
Amazon Prime Day is now less than a week away. When shopping on Amazon, most of us check out the reviews to find out how good a product is. Unfortunately, no one can trust Amazon’s customer product reviews. Here’s why.
Amazon reviews are big business
When you buy something on Amazon, you probably check the product’s reviews before adding it to your cart. That’s a bad idea.
Don’t trust Amazon’s biggest failure
At this very second, roughly 42% of all customer-provided reviews on Amazon are fake. And as Christmas shopping takes hold, it’s only going to get worse.
Free tool to spot fake Amazon reviews
If there’s one rule of thumb to follow when you’re shopping online, especially at Amazon, it’s to read the reviews. But how can you tell a fake review from a real one? Now, an algorithm will tell you in a few seconds.
These Amazon products are reportedly fire hazards - Are they in your home?
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Hungry for deals on Amazon? There are plenty of ways to save big on products without too much effort. And one of the most popular bargain brands, Amazon Basics, gives users access to a range of discounted everyday items that are easy to sort through.
Learning a new language? This system makes it easy
Technology has given us a lot of shortcuts in life, but it’s hard to get around one of the most difficult aspects of learning a new language: If you really want to make that new vocabulary stick, repetition is the key. Unfortunately, repetition can be mind-numbingly boring … unless you use MosaLingua.
Online reviews: Be careful or you could get sued
You have a bad experience with a product or business, so you tap out a quick review voicing your dissatisfaction. What could go wrong? More than you might think. Reviews are big business, and companies aren’t shy about going after people who leave negative feedback. I’ll tell you why you may want to think twice next time you want to share yours online.
8 ways you're ruining your PC, trick to faster Wi-Fi, turn your hobbies into extra cash
Struggling with slow Wi-Fi? Here’s a way to boost your signal and get the speed you pay for. Learn 8 bad tech habits that are ruining your Windows computer, and Kim chats with a woman who turned a hobby into a side hustle. Plus, reviews are big business online, and it’s easy to get fooled by fakes. Learn how to spot those you can trust from the rest.
Why online reviews have lost their value
Gone are the days of taking product reviews at face value. Companies may be working hard behind the scenes to skew what you see. Here are three red flags to look for next time you’re shopping on the web.