This peeping Tom was caught not just looking up her dress, but filming it, too. Three cheers for the other lady who spotted this creep.
How to stop spam texts for good
© Feodora Chiosea | Dreamstime.com
Remember back in the day when you didn’t think twice about putting your cell number and email address into any form that asked for it? If you’re thinking, “Uh, Kim, I still do that,” I’m about to make your life so much easier.
Even if you know better, all those years of sharing your contact info have left their mark. Add in the websites that peddle your details to anyone willing to pay, and most of us are left dealing with a ridiculous amount of spam texts.
Before we get to spam text do’s and don’ts, allow me to brag: I don’t get any spammy texts. Really, zero. After I signed up for Incogni, all that crap stopped. Use this exclusive link to get 60% off. Incogni removed me from 218 privacy-stealing data-broker sites, and all it took was three minutes of work on my end.
A tangled web
Why are you a target for so much spam? Ah, let me count the ways:
- Your data was breached and then compiled into a huge list sold on the dark web or through a people-search or data-broker site.
- You’re in a hacked database, like a list of homeowners or app subscribers.
- Yours is one of countless autogenerated phone numbers scammers took a shot on. After all, it’s not that hard to come up with a list of numbers.
- You downloaded malware that dug into your contacts.
- You installed an app that sold your phone number.
- You replied to a spam text (see below).
I can just text ‘Stop,’ right?
If only. Never reply to a scam text. Doing so confirms your number is active, and you’ll start getting even more scam texts. There are a couple of safe ways to stop the spam storm:
- See if your phone provider lets you forward texts to 7726 (SPAM) to auto-block them. Most do, including Verizon, T‑Mobile and AT&T.
- Look in your message app settings for a spam filter. On Android, you can find a Spam Protection feature. On iPhone, open Settings and tap Messages, then enable Filter Unknown Senders.
- Select the texter’s ID or number and look for an Info or Details section. You can usually find a way to block that number directly here.
This stopped spam texts for me for good
I’ve told you about Incogni before. They pull your info from data-broker sites that sell it to anyone willing to pay — including spammers. No joke, since I used it, my spam texts have totally disappeared. I just don’t get them anymore.
✅ Use this link to get 60% off when you sign up. Nope, I don’t get any residuals or kickbacks. It worked for me, and I know it will work for you. I’d love to hear how many data-broker and people-search sites Incogni removes you from!
Your data: It’s all posted online - But there's a simple way to remove it
© Sitthiphong Thadakun | Dreamstime.com
A loyal reader, Racquel, emailed me recently after dealing with a very angry customer at work. “Last week, she left me a voicemail and said that I was behind all her problems and she was ‘going to find’ where I lived.”
You're a target for AI voice scams
Imagine a call from a loved one in distress. Even if it’s their voice, how can you be sure it’s not a scam?
Overwhelmed with spam texts? Do this now
© Antonio Guillem | Dreamstime.com
Ever replied to a spam message with STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE? If so, you’re setting yourself up for even more annoyance. You rightfully think that you’re ending the noise, but you’ll make it worse.
Why? Spammers are hitting up as many people as possible, searching for working contact information. When you interact, you’re saying, “Yes, this phone number belongs to someone!” That’s great news for them. It lets them know you’re a real person they should target more often.
Our favorite cleaning products to get your home sparkling
Lightfieldstudiosprod | Dreamstime.com
Over the next couple of days, the team and I are sharing what you’ve been asking me for all month: Shopping picks! The goal is to take all the dread out of checking all your people off your list.
Some of you will think this is weird, and others will shout, “Me too, Kim!” I love getting my house sparkling clean after Thanksgiving. I put on some tunes, scrub every corner and then the house is ready for Christmas decorations. Here are some tools to make it easier.
Trying to sell online? You're a theft target
Criminals no longer need to stake out your house to case it; they can simply browse your online listing.
Peeping Tom caught in the act
Target shoppers saw him slip a phone under a woman’s dress (ew). Plus, get updates on the TikTok ban, dark web blackmail, and a major ground beef recall. We also talk with popular YouTuber Kitboga about taking on scammers by wasting their time.
Tax scams are at their peak
This Monday is Tax Day. Be cautious — if you’re rushing to file, bad actors may target you.
February 10th, 2024
Meta admits it trains its AI on your public pics and vids. Plus, the new way criminals target your bank account and the wild things folks are doing with their Apple Vision Pro. Also, a new super sports app is coming and an incredible drone rescue. That and much more, plus all your calls and questions.
Roblox scams that target your kids
More than 70 million people play Roblox daily. Find out why some are fraudsters targeting children.
Taylor Swift gotchas
Are you a Swiftie? Here’s why you’re a scammer’s big target online.
Your old car is a big target
Got a clunker? Thieves prefer it over new cars. Here’s why and how to keep it safe.
Get Amazon, Target, Walmart good for cheap
Curious about where holiday returns go? I’ll reveal where to snag them at great prices.
August 12th, 2023
In this week’s show, think your Mac is impenetrable? Bad news: It’s become a big target for hackers. Also, OpenAI is scouring the web for your data — here’s how to opt out. An herbal supplement is killing, and people seek the help of AI fortune tellers. And, a travel tip you’ll use a ton. All that and much more, along with all your calls and questions.
Space junk hitting Earth, cruise ship potty cam & how to purge your browser's dirty secrets
Plus, will ChatGPT take your job? I speak with Matt Schlicht, CEO of Octane AI and a leader in the chatbot space, about the future of AI in the workplace and how to get it to work for you. Child predators target kids’ webcams, Hawaiian tourists’ GPS blunder and make sure your security cam doesn’t break the law.
Does your phone have a virus?
Is your phone a cyber crook’s target? Easy answer: Yes. I show you what you can do to protect yourself, in 60 seconds.
3 phone tips to keep elderly family members secure
Did you know that phone scams disproportionately target older adults? Protect them with these tips, in 60 seconds.
Security tip: How to secure your garage from intruders
Burglars cruising through your neighborhood will consider every port of entry as they plot to break into your home. We’re not just talking about doors or windows — they also target your garage. If you don’t secure your garage from intruders, you might as well be inviting them in.
Crypto tip: Simple mistake costs man $120K – Don't let it happen to you
© Toxawww | Dreamstime.com
You’ve probably heard of cryptocurrency, the digital medium of exchange that has become a darling of social media influencers. You don’t need to be a crypto investor to know that there’s no such thing as easy money and that crypto, in particular, is an especially risky investment.