Yeah, so that myth is totally wrong. A new dog-age calculator says your pup’s “human years” age isn’t as easy as multiplying by 7. A 2-year-old dog is basically a full-grown adult, depending on the breed, according to scientists. So yes, your “puppy” might be old enough to refinance their student loans.
7 new scams to watch out for
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Every day, it seems like there’s a new scam you need to watch out for. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, which is why some folks go on digital detoxes. In other words, they stop using tech devices like smartphones, computers and TVs for a little while.
Do you feel like you need a break from tech? Tap or click here to find out how to do it. When you come back from your break, though, make sure to do some research on new scamming trends.
If you browse without knowing about the latest threats, you’re putting yourself at risk. Like spiders, scammers are constantly spinning new webs to ensnare our data and rip you off. Watch out for these seven scary scams swirling around right now to protect yourself from predators.
1. Unemployment scam: Be careful when you verify
Tons of folks are looking for new jobs. Don’t forget that scammers are looking to trick unsuspecting jobseekers. They’ll send you emails, texts or private messages with a link.
“Click on this link to verify your application,” or “To verify your identity, tap or click here,” the message will say. Don’t click the link — it won’t verify anything. It’s probably a scam that will infect your device with malware.
- Mode of contact: Fake job postings on ZipRecruiter, Indeed and any other job-related platform, emails
- What you’ll lose: Unemployment benefits, your identity, potentially your bank account
- How to avoid: Only apply to jobs you verify are real. Research companies that you’re looking to apply to. Don’t click on social media links that ask you to verify your identity
Oh, and you also have to look out for unemployment insurance fraud. It’s such a big issue the FBI recently warned people about hackers and scammers stealing innocent people’s identities to file for benefits in their name. Tap or click here for a few ways to protect yourself from unemployment fraud.
2. Social media scams: Bad guys love to pretend they’re your bestie
Con artists like to pretend to be your friends. They steal profile pictures from your bestie’s page, set up a fake account and send you a DM asking for money. Send it, and you’re down a few hundred bucks.
Bad guys also pose as legitimate companies. For instance, they might pretend they’re selling bath bombs from Lush. When you try to buy the product, they’ll demand crypto payments.
- Mode of contact: Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit and other popular platforms
- What you’ll lose: The FTC says fraudsters used social media apps to steal around $770 million from Americans in 2021. Suffice it to say, you can lose a ton of cash!
- How to avoid: Set up strong privacy settings on all your social media apps, block targeted ads if you can, delete apps you rarely use and research vendors before you buy through an app
8 tax deductions that may save you some cash in 2022
Spring is just around the horizon. Soon, the snow will melt from the landscape and flowers will pop up left and right. Tax season is also popping up, so it’s time to take out your paperwork and prepare for drudgery.
Here’s some good news, though. You don’t have to brace yourself for Uncle Sam snatching away your hard-earned money. Tax deductions can do you a world of good if you qualify for them, that is.
10 to 20 years
Until AI drives humanity to extinction, according to a “godfather of AI,” Geoffrey Hinton. He’s the winner of this year’s Nobel Prize for Physics and previously put the odds of AI taking over at only 10%. I know many people are thinking, “Great! I won’t have to pay off my student loans!”