Tag: shopping

The man who built America’s biggest camera network reportedly hides from it. Can Flock survive?

Flock’s cameras scan more than 20 billion license plates a month, and they’ve found kidnapped kids and closed murder cases. They’ve also tracked police officers’ ex-girlfriends, shown up in a Virginia woman’s front yard uninvited and nearly ended up on 350,000 Ubers. Now, 30-plus cities have pulled the plug, the company is scrambling to add rules and its own CEO reportedly keeps his plates out of the system. Here’s the whole story, plus the free map that shows every camera near you.

My husband’s credit score fell from 810 to 575 overnight. A week later, the dentures bill arrived.

Three maxed-out credit cards. A $250,000 mortgage application. And a full set of dentures in Florida, ordered by a woman using Barry’s name. He did nothing wrong. It still took months to undo. Here is exactly what we did, in order.

Use AI to cut junk fees from your car quote

VIN etching can cost $199 to $499, and paint or theft packages can hit $2,500. This gives you the AI prompt to audit a dealer quote, spot padded fees, check your state’s doc-fee cap and send a firm out-the-door counteroffer.

That mystery package isn’t a gift. It’s a warning about your data.

That unordered package on your porch isn’t a shipping error. It’s proof a scammer already has your name and address, and the new ones ship with a QR code the FBI says can plant malware. Keep the item, skip the code, then lock down your passwords.

Facebook is the No. 1 place Americans lose money to scammers

New FTC data reveals scams starting on social media cost Americans $2.1 billion last year, and Facebook tops the list. Losses have exploded eightfold since 2020. Here are the exact settings that cut scammers off.

Gifts for Dad that arrive before Father’s Day

Inside: Grilling gadgets, golf gear, fitness trackers and more that ship on time. Up to 40% off.

Before you buy, make AI prove it

AI shopping is here, which means fewer browser tabs and more danger for your wallet. This copy-paste prompt turns ChatGPT into a no-nonsense shopping assistant before you spend a dime.

The Amazon return trap: How a secret algorithm could ban you for life

Amazon tracks every return you make. When your ratio tips the wrong way, they can permanently ban your account with no warning, no appeal and no refund on your Prime membership. Here’s what the threshold looks like and how to protect yourself.

Use AI to find a credit card worth $200 to $600 more

A better credit card match can earn $200 to $600 more per year than your current setup. This gives you the exact AI prompt to compare cards by your real spending, annual fees, reward caps, sign-up bonuses and the little traps hiding in the fine print.

Your passwords are already for sale. Here’s the proof.

A family member didn’t believe stolen passwords were for sale online. So I showed him. What we found for $12 will make you change every login tonight.

Your grocery store loyalty card is selling your health data. Here’s the proof.

Every swipe builds a profile. And it’s ending up in the hands of health insurers, data brokers and companies you’ve never heard of.

That store camera isn’t just watching for shoplifters. It’s watching you.

Every time you walk into a grocery store, a big box retailer or a pharmacy, AI-powered cameras track how you move, where you linger and what you almost bought. Here’s what they know.

February’s most loved favorites are still on sale: Up to 80% off

Save on RFID blockers, safer driving and home upgrades everyone’s talking about.

The grocery store is watching you: How ‘smart shelves’ track your face and every move

The Current unmasks the surveillance pricing and hidden cameras taking over Kroger and Walmart aisles. Discover the smart shelf tech that uses facial recognition to detect your age and gender while tracking exactly how long you hesitate in front of a product. Learn why the FTC is investigating these digital tags and find out how to stop the data harvest.

Early Valentine’s gifts that win hearts: Up to 44% off

Skip the clichés for cozy tech, date upgrades and roses that never die.

The great lobster heist: How a digital con stole dinner

Criminals used a tiny typo in an email address to steal $400,000 worth of lobster. Read this warning from The Current on how to stop digital impersonators from stealing your assets.

Panic shopping guide: Gifts that still deliver

Down to the wire? Apple gear, kid favorites and more easy wins can still arrive before Christmas.

Smart stocking stuffers that won’t end up in a drawer

A mix of tech, comfort and a few surprises you’ll want to keep for yourself.

Your holiday hosting gift guide: The stuff you’ll use every year

Work smarter, not harder. Save on party helpers, cleanup hacks and cozy upgrades.

What to buy older adults (who say they have everything)

From safety tools to daily comforts, I’ve got you covered.