Capacitors are essential components that help regulate energy inside most complex electronics. But since they’re only able to handle a certain amount of electricity, what happens when they overload?
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
Need to set up a security system? Hire the pros
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DIY projects have gotten incredibly popular during the pandemic. Folks are posting videos of themselves crafting slime — and sometimes spilling it everywhere. Some people are creating their own robots, NFTs and more.
5 uses for security cameras you never thought of before now
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Think about all of the valuable possessions inside your home. Jewelry, big-screen televisions, maybe some high-priced artwork, to name a few things.
With treasured items like these, it’s no wonder thieves are always trying to break in and rip us off. They don’t even always wait for you to be out of town on vacation. Sometimes they have the nerve to sneak inside while we’re asleep at night.
Home security 101: The best and worst places to set up motion sensors
If you want to build a robust home security system, motion sensors are a must. They let you know when an intruder has already breached your defenses so you aren’t taken by surprise. With their help, you can formulate a plan of defense and take action.
Will we be able to merge with our tech?
Our gadgets go where we do, in our pockets and on our wrists. But what if one day we were able to enhance our bodies with technology? Scientists are exploring the possibility.
What comes next for the James Webb Space Telescope?
After more than a decade of planning, the James Webb Space Telescope finally launched late last year. And since it just reached its destination, we shouldn’t have to wait long to see the most incredible photos taken of galaxies outside our own.
Science discoveries made in 2021 you didn’t hear about
In 2021, the news was dominated by COVID-19. All the new variants and vaccine rollouts seemed to blind most of us to other scientific discoveries throughout the year. So, here is a breakdown of some of the most remarkable findings you probably didn’t hear about.
How the Hoover Dam was built
Nearly 100 years ago, America was in the throes of the Great Depression. Even during these tumultuous times, though, engineers managed to use skill and grit to build something amazing: The Hoover Dam. Situated at the Arizona and Nevada border, this impressive concrete marvel attracts almost 1 million visitors annually. So, how was this feat of engineering accomplished?
What happens when a baseball hits a gong at over 1,000 mph?
Some professional baseball pitchers can throw a ball around 100 miles per hour. But, what would happen if you built a cannon that could fire the balls faster than the speed of sound? Well, this engineer did just that, and the results are astounding.
5 simple ways to protect your home this winter
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Winter months can bring some serious challenges for homeowners. Icy driveways, slick walkways and frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage.
Whether you tough it out or take off to warmer climates, you want to keep your home safe over the winter months. That means you need protection from thieves while you’re away. Protect your home with the security system that protects Kim’s family, SimpliSafe. Visit SimpliSafeKim.com today to save 40% on a home security system and get your first month free when you sign up for Interactive Monitoring.
How radar has changed over the last 60 years
The military has used radar since World War II. It lets us detect incoming planes before they attack and allows us to track weather patterns worldwide. Since its inception, though, radar has gained another use: To help us see what’s above us much more clearly.
5 clever scams making the rounds you need to know about
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Another day, another scam. Or should we say scams? There seems to be no end to discovering crooked schemes that use every means imaginable to trick people out of their information, data and finances.
Everyone’s received text messages from unknown numbers. Sometimes it’s a service or business you use that isn’t in your contacts. It could be your food delivery app letting you know that your grub is on the way. It could also be the first step in a scam. Tap or click here to learn how the scheme works and how to keep from falling victim to it.
Anyone can see the layout of your home and what you paid for it - Do this to stay safe
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There’s more information about you online than you probably realize. Your hacked passwords, your address, even your credit card details.
Details about your home are everywhere, too. Government sites and resources like Zillow and Redfin list everything from what you paid to the very layout of your house.
58% of workers fed up with their computers - Are you?
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Work laptops come with all sorts of problems. At first, you might be excited at the prospect of using tech you didn’t have to pay for. After all, many people can’t afford a laptop, so it can seem like a blessing in disguise.
10 most-stolen dog breeds and 3 smart ways to protect your furry friend
Few things terrify a pet owner more than finding out their furry friend disappeared. In the U.S., around four million dogs go missing each year. Pet owners have a lot to worry about: medication, closing gates, so the dogs don’t get out and even outright kidnappings.
Why women can see more colors than men
Being able to see color is a significant evolutionary trait. We can see how blue the sky is or how beautiful fresh flowers are. But, it turns out not all of us see color the same way, and scientists now believe women can see more colors than men. So why is this?
Have a SimpliSafe system? There's a brand new HD outdoor camera to add to your home's arsenal
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When it comes to home security, you need a company you can trust. Traditional home security companies are all about the bottom line. You work with a salesperson to find a system, someone comes over to install it, then you’re locked into a long contract with high monthly fees.
Smartphone security: Do you need a VPN on your phone?
Compared to computers, smartphones have weak defenses and easy-to-crack passwords. They’ve also got a ton of valuable data. Just think about everything on your phone.
Chances are your work email is connected, which means a savvy cybercriminal could steal your company’s secrets. There’s also your contacts list, which is stuffed with phone numbers and maybe even emails.
Ding, dong: 6 funniest moments caught by video doorbells
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Sure, you probably know all about the ways doorbell cameras like SimpliSafe can boost your home security system. Connect them to your phone, and you get a 24/7 live stream of everything going on in your home. With these nifty tools, you can catch burglars, find missing children and even tell your neighbors about a fire.