Most of us know this scam is going around, but a lot of people are still sharing them. Make sure you teach your friends and family to avoid sharing these type of posts to protect themselves.
The danger of free VPNs
If you want to stay safe, you need a solid self-defense plan. This applies to both the real world and our digital lives. One of the best ways to stay safe online is by using a VPN or a virtual private network.
As a quick recap, a VPN is a cybersecurity tool you download onto your devices. You can hide your IP address, encrypt internet traffic and protect your browsing history. VPNs even help you get around geoblocking, which refers to content barriers based on your location.
With perks like these, it’s easy to understand why Findstack says 68% of American adults use VPNs. But not all VPNs are created equally — especially the free ones. Here’s why you should never use a free VPN.
Reason No. 1: They put you at risk
One of the main benefits of a VPN is anonymity. With a click of a button, you can cloak your browsing history and pretend you’re somewhere else in the world. For instance, when you use our sponsor ExpressVPN, it just takes a few seconds to reroute your IP address to England, Singapore or even Kazakhstan.
A VPN that compromises your privacy is as counterproductive as exercising while eating ice cream. But many free VPNs you’ll stumble upon do the opposite of what they’re supposed to do. Yes, they reroute your IP address, but they also collect your data.
Even worse, they might sell it to third parties to make a buck. If you aren’t careful with your choice of VPN, you could do more harm than good. Kim always says, “If you’re getting something for free, you’re probably the product.”
Reason No. 2: They aren’t very secure
So, you know a free VPN is probably harvesting your data. You may not value your privacy, so you shrug that off for the sake of security. But here’s the thing — a free VPN might not have the resources to create robust security features.
Get this: Some VPNs will actually contain malware.
Cybercriminals hope to attract people who want free resources. They’ll create legitimate-looking VPN apps, promising to protect for free. People fall for the trick hook, line and sinker only to find they’re now surfing the web in shark-infested waters.
Don’t think that all VPNs invade your privacy, though
Fraud and identity warning: Protect your info in one simple step
© Manassanant Pamai | Dreamstime.com
What do these things have in common: A data breach, a credit card offer in the mail, a form at the doctor’s office and a Dark Web marketplace?
If you guessed anything to do with your identity, you nailed it. All are ways someone can get their hands on your Social Security number. With just a handful of digits, they can do a lot of harm.
Voice-to-text: Newer Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones have built-in tools to turn voice audio into text via the magic of AI. Check under the Recorder app for Pixels or Voice Recorder app for Galaxy phones, respectively. Apple iPhone peeps, expect something similar in iOS 18, dropping next month.
Marketers, Oct. 21 is the day: The FTC is banning fake online reviews, AI-written testimonials and sabotaging competitors with phony negative ratings. Using bots to boost social media followers and influence is off the table, too. If you spot any of this, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Violations can cost up to $50,000 a pop.
$2 loss
For every $1 put toward sports betting. As federal and state guidelines have loosened, fewer Americans are investing in stocks and other safer assets. This past January, folks put $14 billion into online sports betting — compare that to $1.1 billion in January 2019.
VPNs: How they work and how to choose the best one for you
© Fizkes | Dreamstime
I’m sure you’ve heard me mention VPNs before on my show. With hackers, thieves and scammers constantly out in full force, ready to steal your money, now’s the time to get on board.
VPN is short for virtual private network. What this means is when doing your banking online, hackers can’t step in the middle and steal your account information and drain your money. A VPN also stops your internet provider from tracking you and lets you unblock websites and bypass filters. You need it on your computer, laptop, tablet and phone.
How to track down an email address online
If you’re on the job hunt but can’t seem to get to the interview stage, I’ll let you in on a tip: Find the hiring manager or team leader’s email address online, and send a personalized note after you apply. It’ll help them put a face to a name and help you stand out in a sea of resumes.
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Stop yelling at Siri
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540 calories burned
Every 90 minutes, just by watching the Olympics. It all depends on how invested you are. A 176-pound football fan who fidgets, jumps, shouts or punches the air for 75% of a 90-minute game can burn the equivalent of a 45-minute run. Send this one to a diehard sports fan in your life.
My son's headphones are in Africa?!
My son had his headphones stolen in LA but when we track them, they’re in Cameroon, Africa…
🪦 RIP, Chromecast: After 11 years, Google is upgrading its streaming device to something that feels suspiciously like the Apple TV. Google TV Streamer plugs in via HDMI and is a lot more powerful than the old Chromecasts. Preorder is live now with September delivery.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
My first job was at Target
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Magic AI Teleprompter
Some would say this is cheating, others would consider it “bluffing.” Where do you stand? Credit: TikTok – finalroundai
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Amazon driver stole a cat
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