Drowning in numbers? Your favorite AI chatbot has your back if you’re brainstorming or need to jazz up a presentation. Plug in a list of numbers or any other data and prompt, “Analyze this information. Explain any trends or insights you find.” Uploading a pic also works.
6 signs your vacation rental is a scam
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It’s that time of year when so many of us are planning vacations and booking a rental. Sadly, scammers are very aware of that, and they’re always changing their tricks to fool people out of their money, rentals — or worse.
One of the most prolific thieves scammed people out of $7 million over just two years. He listed 100 properties across the U.S. and accepted 10,000 offers. His bait-and-switch schemes worked … till he got caught.
Being familiar with the red flags can save you from being a victim. And that’s why I’m here today — to give you the know-how.
1. Suspicious photos
Does the picture of that beachfront property look like it’s straight out of a pricey photoshoot? Images that are just a little too polished should raise your eyebrows. Try a reverse image search to see if a pic pops up elsewhere online. How? Open a pic, right-click on it, then choose Search Image or similar in your browser.
2. That doesn’t add up
Some hosts list a property at different price points on multiple platforms. The highest bidder wins, so your stay could get canceled if they find someone who’ll pay more. But wait — it could also be a “phantom rental.” In this scheme, crooks cook up a completely fake listing using a bogus address and photos and run away with your money.
3. Under pressure
When you’re rushed into making a decision, you’re more likely to overlook serious flaws in the listing. A legitimate host won’t rush you into sealing the deal.
4. ‘Can you send me a gift card?’
Always pay through the rental site. Secure payment methods include debit, credit and sometimes a direct bank transfer. Never pay using gift cards, a cash app, crypto or a certified check.
5. Too good to be true
Quick tech cleanup: Do this every 3 months
© Iakov Filimonov | Dreamstime.com
When was the last time you cleaned up your digital life? It’s not fun, but just a few minutes of physical and digital decluttering can work wonders. It boosts productivity, clears mental clutter and leaves you feeling like you’ve done something great. Ready? Let’s do this!
‘Can you tape that?’ Phrases tech has killed off
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I’m sure you remember this: “You hang up first.” “No, you hang up first.” Not quite as romantic when you fumble for the “End call” button on your iPhone, eh? As times change and our tech changes, so, too, do the phrases we use.
🤝 ”Can I pick your brain?” I can’t stand it when someone asks me that. A better way? “I have an idea. Can I run it by you?” After over 25 years of running a successful debt-free business, I’ve seen it all. Got a question about tech, business or life? Let me help. Just drop a note here on my site. I read every single one.
No salesperson, no long contracts: Ready to install a home security system? With SimpliSafe, it’s easy to order everything you need online and set it up yourself. (If you need help, they can do it for you.) Plus, it comes with 24/7 professional monitoring, because peace of mind shouldn’t break the bank. Hit this link for 50% off.
Swiped away a notification too fast? No problem. On Android, go to Settings > Notifications > Notification History to enable and view past alerts. On iPhone, swipe up on the lock screen or down from the top to see missed notifications in the Notification Center. FYI: Your notification history disappears after 24 hours on Android and a week on iPhones.
Useful site: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s list of recalls is worth scanning now and then. Sometimes, you can get a replacement or refund for the recalled product. If there’s a major recall, I’ll warn you here or in my Current Alerts newsletter.
🍎 From my inbox: “I’d like to know, for real, whether you and your team recommend a Mac or Windows laptop for the average everyday American.” My answer is Mac! (They’re not paying me to say that.) MacBooks are so easy to use and inherently more locked down security-wise than Windows PCs. This model is great for most folks. This option is more powerful if you need more oomph; it’s the one I use.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Investment alert: According to my pal Clark Howard, there are three places you should never invest your money: A bank, an insurance company or a bank-affiliated brokerage. Why? The hidden fees and risky strategies can erode your investment returns. Subscribe to Clark’s free newsletter to receive more must-have money tips every day.
🔎 AI tool search engine: Future Tools is a database of 3,000 AI tools for gaming, generative code, social media and more. There are filters for free options, woo! The site’s founder is popular YouTuber Matt Wolfe. He says he vets the tools for scams or duds.
It’s playoff season: Right now, new DraftKings Pick6 customers who play $5 get $50 in Pick6 credits with code KIMK. Play online or download the DraftKings Pick6 app for iPhone or Android. Fingers crossed for a touchdown.
Wanna know what your neighbors are searching? Check the Trending now tab on Google Trends. Use the filters at the top to narrow it down by state or city. Adjust the timeframe from the last four hours to a week. You can search by categories like “Food and Drink,” too.
📚 Stacked ‘n’ sorted: Group a book series on Kindle to keep your digital library tidy. Just select Settings > Device Options > Advanced Options > Home & Library, then toggle on Group Series in Library. If you don’t see it, update your device. Now, back to your page-turner.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
So embarrassing: You don’t want your coworker asking why you googled “Can my plants hear me crying?” Lock your Mac’s screen quickly with Ctrl + Cmd + Q (Windows key + L in Windows). Be smart about cybersecurity and get in the habit of doing this every time you walk away.
🖌️ Bye, bye, bye: There’s a handy way to edit anything out of a pic, and it’s built right into Microsoft Paint: Generative Erase for Windows 11. In Paint, open the image you want to edit, hit the selection tool (upper left corner) and highlight the area you want to delete. Then, press Generative Erase (eraser icon) in the pop-up. It takes about a minute for AI to do its thing.
While you’re at it: Antivirus isn’t just for your computer. Protect your phone and keep it running at its best with my pick, which is only $19 for the first year.
The NSA says to do this once a week: Reset your phone’s advertising ID. It’s a unique identifier they use to serve you targeted ads. The more data that’s gathered, the easier it is to pinpoint exactly who you are. On iPhone, do this under Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising, and toggle off Personalized Ads. On Android, go to Settings > Google > Ads, and toggle the switch for Opt out of Ads Personalization.
You have to be smarter than cyber spies: EndpointLock encrypts your keystrokes when you enter usernames, account numbers and passwords so no one can copy and steal them. It’s genius. Hit this link for 10% off.
Do the same on Android: Woo, it’s just as simple. Open Chrome and tap the three dots (lower right corner). Scroll to Delete browsing data. Choose the timeframe, tap Delete browsing data in red at the bottom, and it’ll ask you to confirm. Back to scrolling!