Gas pump hacker, ad-free TikTok & Google Maps tricks

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Plus, I talk to caller Cee Cee on how she lost $17,000 in a romance scam. Big surprise — she got most of it back. Do you like to party? Airbnb is using AI to kick out rowdy guests. Some Walmart delivery drivers buy fake cred online and three things you can do with a dead iPhone. 

Tags: Airbnb, Apple iPhone, Google, party, Walmart


Stay informed, not overwhelmed: How to filter war content from your social media feed

With the intense war unfolding in Israel and Gaza, I bet your social media feed is loaded with photos and videos that can be so very difficult to stomach. From heart-wrenching scenes of hostage situations, beheadings, murders, bombings and other grim realities of war, it’s everywhere.

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Old videos and fake news about Israel, Gaza and Hamas are all over social media

The images, stories and videos of Israel and Gaza are horrifying, aren’t they? You know what that fuels — a slew of misleading info making the rounds on social media. 

Have you seen that viral video showing an Israeli airstrike? It was being shared left and right on social showing Israel’s retaliation against a sudden attack by Hamas from last Saturday. But here’s the catch: That footage is old news from May, confirmed by Reuters.

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Maybe malware? 6 ways to protect your devices

Ah, malware. These insidious little programs crawl into our phones, laptops and other smart devices and wreak havoc.

Usually, you can trust the Google Play Store, Apple’s App Store, Amazon apps and all other official sources. That said, it’s just plain smart to “trust but verify.” 

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Peeping Toms are upping their game with smartphones

I hate using dressing rooms at retail stores. I’d rather buy two different sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit. Plus, those mirrors are awful and don’t get me started on the lighting. The last thing you want to worry about is being spied on while changing. 

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Ask a tech expert: How can I make it easier for my mom with dementia to find her shows?

What a pain, Todd. You’re a good son to try to make this easier for her. I found an excellent solution for you: the SofaBaton X1 universal remote control

It’s a programmable universal remote that simplifies life with one-touch activities. Press a single button and control your TV, stereo, whatever.

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Space update: Satellites, Starlink and a fiery eclipse

One thing about tech you can bet $100 on. There’s always something new, better, faster and begging you to open your wallet. You’ve probably never heard of BlueWalker 3.

This communications satellite orbiting Earth will totally change up the cellular marketplace. For starters, you won’t have to deal with crappy cell phone service or no bars anymore. Love that, don’t you?

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Don't lose old voicemails - Steps to save them on iPhone and Android

We all know how comforting pictures and videos can be after someone passes, along with other mementos. I found my Mom’s car key ring the other day. I put my keys on it, and strangely, it makes me feel like she’s still near.

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FBI warning: Crooks are using this new tech support scam

One of the most important parts of my job is making sure you know what criminals and cybercreeps are up to. Enough people fall for this junk — I don’t want you to be a victim, too.

The FBI is warning about tech support scams that robbed folks of a whopping $542 million in just the first half of 2023. It all starts with a notification that looks like it’s from your bank or even the government warning of a computer hack. You guessed it. They’re fake.

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How to watch Sunday’s Falcons vs. Jaguars NFL game animated in the style of ‘Toy Story’

This is so cool, and it’s happening this Sunday. ESPN and Disney are teaming up for a one-of-a-kind NFL experience.

While you’ve got your usual Falcons vs. Jaguars action from London happening in Week 4 on ESPN+, local channels and the NFL+ mobile app, a new twist comes from the magical world of “Toy Story.”

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If your Wi-Fi stinks, your phone might be to blame

It’s a cozy Friday evening, and you just started streaming your favorite show. But, as the plot thickens, your Wi-Fi takes an unexpected hiatus. Annoying, right?

Before you unplug your router, look to your smartphone. The culprit could be apps chowing down on precious bandwidth.

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