Even with new laws and helpful apps, scam calls are still a problem — especially when it comes to older adults. Scammers often will stop at nothing to con someone out of their life savings. That’s why one man decided to get back at scammers through a call center in India, and it’s truly amazing.
Have a gamer in the house? 5 must-do security steps
Although online gaming can be a fun way to unwind, it also comes with several security issues. Competitive gaming can lead people to sabotage their rivals, so you need to take steps to protect your home network. Threats can range from harassment campaigns and hacking to doxxing and swatting (more on that later).
After hearing this, you may want to stick to light-hearted games that don’t invite competition. Tap or click here for fun sites that let you play the best online games for free. But if you think the rewards are worth the risks, you’ll want to read this guide.
In this article, you’ll learn how to protect yourself in the world of competitive gaming. Unscrupulous gamers may try to hack into your computer and remotely shut you down. Anger the wrong people, and your life could be in danger.
Some people even send SWAT teams to your home
Swatting is an illegal prank that can get you killed. The perpetrators use caller ID spoofing and social engineering techniques to report false crimes to the police. One man lost his life after police fell for one of these hoaxes.
In 2017, Casey Viner and Shane Gaskill got into an online argument while playing Call of Duty. They both lost the match and $1.50 in wagers, according to Buzzfeed News. Viner threatened to send a SWAT team to Gaskill’s house in a fit of anger.
Instead of shutting down the conversation, Gaskill goaded Viner on. He intentionally provided an address he didn’t reside at, according to the Chicago Tribune. Viner took the bait — but he didn’t want his name connected to the crime.
Viner then asked a friend named Tyler Barriss to make a false report on his behalf. Barriss agreed and called 911, spinning a fake tale about a high-stakes hostage situation. The SWAT team arrived at the address in Wichita, Kansas. Obviously, Gaskill was nowhere to be found.
Instead, a 28-year-old man named Andrew Finch opened the door. He was unrelated to the argument. A sniper rifle killed him in mere seconds, Yahoo Finance reports.
How this affects you
Online gaming comes with a unique set of security threats. If you’re a gamer or have a gamer in the house, you need to create a defense strategy.
Online games are no longer a harmless, frivolous way to spend time. They’re now a cutthroat industry with a ton of cash on the line. Don’t underestimate the ways other people will try to hurt you and your loved ones to get ahead.
Home security 101: How to hide a security camera from view
When setting up a home security system, buying cameras is a no-brainer. This way, you can catch criminals in the act so police can quickly track down the bad guys. If you’re too obvious, though, burglars might grab your camera and go. That’s why we’re sharing this guide on how to hide a security camera.
Use these steps to find hidden cameras in an Airbnb or rental property
Camera technology has advanced immensely in the past few years. They keep getting smaller and smaller, making it possible to conceal them any which way. Cameras have become really affordable, too, and it’s now feasible to blanket your whole property with surveillance equipment without breaking the bank.
Traveling this summer? 5 steps to protect your home from burglars
If you’re hitting the road with your family this summer, you don’t want to forget anything. Pack your swimsuits and toothbrushes, and don’t skip the reservation for your pooch at a doggie hotel. But it’s also crucial that you have another checklist to protect your home while you’re gone.
Is your video doorbell picking up private conversations? Here’s how to tell
Technology has allowed us to move from the traditional two-tone doorbell to something far more complex. A staple of Hollywood sci-fi films, video doorbells first appeared for commercial use around 2013.
The nifty gadgets let you see who is at the front door without getting off the couch, and you can even talk to whoever visits. As with much technology, there is a dark side that most people don’t know about.
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.
Consumer Reports rates SimpliSafe as the top security system
Here’s some news that should perk the ears of anyone interested in home security. Consumer Reports recently came out with a list of the best DIY home security systems money can buy. Our sponsor, SimpliSafe, topped the chart.
Online dating tip: Don't use your real phone number - Do this instead
If you’re lucky enough to hit it off with someone you meet on a dating app, they’ll probably ask for your phone number. It’s a sign that the person you matched with is interested and wants to get to know you by calling or even video chatting. Speaking of which, here are a few ways to look your best in video meetings.
Quick check to see if someone is spying on your computer
We all know the feeling. You’re scrolling through your phone, and there it is. An ad that you can tie back to a recent conversation with a friend. Tap or click here for simple steps to make advertisers stop tracking you.
Smarter home security: 5 sensors beyond just doors and windows
Smart home products aren’t new to the market, but they are becoming more affordable to make your daily life safer and easier.
If you’re new to the smart home game, start with a must for keeping your home protected 24/7, our sponsor, SimpliSafe. Those old-school security companies that send a pushy salesperson to your door with a 3-year contract and installers are so 20 years ago.
Your computer microphone still listens even on mute - Try this trick
With many people working remotely, everybody should by now know how to behave when in a Zoom or Microsoft Teams meeting. Your camera picks up every move even when you think no one is watching, and your microphone can catch the faintest of sounds.
How you can use secret alerts to catch snoops in your home
There’s a lot to worry about when you have guests over, like whether they will like your food or if your house is clean enough. Depending on how scrupulous your guests are, they might start sneaking around and rifling through your things. Here’s a helpful tip if you’re wondering how to catch snoops.
How to remove everything you've found about yourself on Google
If you look yourself up on Google, you might encounter something you don’t want the public to see. Maybe it’s something you posted to social media years ago or records about some trouble you got into when you were younger. You might also run into data like your home address and phone number — things you don’t want strangers to know.
5 ways to maximize your home security system
Modern burglars are less like the bumbling bozos in “Home Alone” and more like the highly organized team in “Ocean’s Eleven.” In 2018, a high-tech group of criminals stole around $10 million from 50 Long Island businesses by hacking into wireless networks and disabling alarm systems. The victims learned that there are always more ways to upgrade your existing home security system even though they set up alarms.
4 hidden perks of a home security system
When you think of a home security system, you might imagine bandits and creepy burglars dressed all in black lurking on the perimeter of your house attempting to find a way in. You think of the loud intruder alert and that critical four-digit safe code pin that you often see being dramatized in the movies.
If your video doorbell is dying unexpectedly, this might be the reason why
Rushing to the front door to see who’s knocking is so 2010. Nowadays, people use doorbells with built-in video cameras. Ringing the doorbell now alerts you to their presence, and you can instantly see who it is. Tap or click here for three things you didn’t know you could do with a video doorbell.
3 surefire signs someone stole your identity
Your credit card information is valuable to scammers, but there is one thing that they desire the more: your personal information. Tap or click here to see 10 accounts more valuable to cybercriminals than your credit card.
Need to skip the front porch delivery? How to use an Amazon Hub Locker
Most of us wait in anticipation for our Amazon order to arrive. But we can’t always be home when the delivery truck rolls up. Usually, the driver will leave your package at the front door and drive off.
That creates several problems, the least of which is possibly spoiling a gift for a loved one. Over the last few years, porch pirates have become an ever-increasing threat to home deliveries.
Need to set up a security system? Hire the pros
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.