Running out of storage space or just sick of all the junk? I bet your camera roll is the main culprit. Here are a few tips and tricks for Apple, Android and Windows to organize and remove unwanted duplicates.
Scam watch: 3 scams spreading like fire across the U.S.
Scammers are clever, but they’re not very creative. Most of their tricks are recycled versions of tricks that worked in the past. There are a few I’ve seen cropping up again because criminals know they work every time.
When these hit my timeline, I make sure to pass them on to you. I want you to be prepared and not a victim.
⚖️ Your day in court
Police in several cities are warning about this scam. You get a phone call that looks like it’s coming from law enforcement. The voice on the other end lays it on thick, claiming you’ve failed to appear for a court date, and — oh, boy — they’ve got a warrant out for you. Just pay over the phone and this mess will disappear … not.
- Always ask questions: Actual law enforcement officers won’t demand payments over the phone.
- Caller IDs can be faked: Spoofing is a common trick to make calls look real.
📦 The delivery text snare
You get a text that appears to be from the USPS. “Click here,” it says, adding, “Your package can’t be delivered until you update your address.” It’s crazy to me these scams continue to work. Folks, don’t believe ‘em, and warn your loved ones.
- No link? No problem: Official USPS communications won’t include unsolicited links.
- Check the details: Always keep track of what you ordered, where you ordered it from and how it should arrive.
- Guard your info: Never — and I mean NEVER — give out your personal data through a random text link.
⛽ Gas station skimmer alerts
An email in your inbox warns about gas station credit card skimmers. All you have to do is click a link for a list of affected locations. It’s a trap!
- Just delete: Treat unsolicited emails like uninvited guests. Don’t let them in.
- Inspect before you swipe: Always give a visual check to any payment terminal. Pay inside or move to the next pump if yours looks sketchy.
Stay informed, be skeptical and protect your personal info like it’s gold — because to you and these scammers, it is.
Share your ETA on the go
I hate being late. There’s nothing worse than leaving your friends hangry at a restaurant. But if I am running behind, I always give folks a heads-up.
Today’s apps have so many hidden tricks. Here’s one I use that I wanted to share with you: Use your map app to share your ETA automatically. That way, you can keep your friends in the loop and your eyes on the road.
YouTube special letter tricks: Press M to mute or unmute a video, K to pause or play a video, and F to enter or exit full-screen mode.
How to get cheap flights with expert Clark Howard
Money-saving guru Clark Howard is here, sharing his top-secret strategies to land the cheapest flights imaginable — and trust me, the airlines do not want you knowing these tricks. We talk about clever booking hacks, algorithms, hidden deals, and the perfect time to strike.
🚨 Scammers are gonna scam: When there’s a Big Tech product release like the iPhone 16, scammers get busy. They used trusted names (think Apple and Microsoft) to get into search results and lure you into opening spam emails. Their tricks hide in pop-up ads, too. Stay safe: A trusted brand will never ask you for personal information out of nowhere.
The art of the upsell
Did you hear United Airlines is going all-in on a new, premium, expensive business class? Private check-in, a fancy lounge with sit-down dining, nice pajamas and a mattress pad, extra food on the plane, and (my favorite) press a button and someone will whiz over with champagne. Cha‑ching.
🚨 Use Amazon, Facebook, PayPal, Google or Microsoft? Hackers want your passwords. Tricks to get Google logins are up 243% this year because that one password can unlock a ton if you use Gmail. Watch for calls and texts urging you to click a URL, download an app or scan a QR code.
3 tricks to score Labor Day deals
Get set to save like never before! Before you get into holiday shopping, I’ve got three tips that will help you score some serious savings.
🔒 Getting back a hacked Facebook account: There are tricks — uploading a high-quality scan of your ID and connecting through your most-used Wi-Fi network — but hackers can still game the process. Do not let your business or personal life rely on your Facebook account. Always keep a copy of your profile. Here’s how.
FTC cracks down on fake followers and reviews
Fake followers? Fake likes? The FTC is done playing around. I’ll tell you why the crackdown could mean big fines — or worse — for influencers and brands pulling these tricks.
MrBeast breaks the internet
His channel has more than 300 million subscribers, making him the most subscribed YouTuber in the world. What’s the key to his meteoric rise? Plus, X allows porn, don’t try this castor oil TikTok trend, and watch out for the latest scammer tricks.
Photo tricks to look younger and slimmer
Everyone wants to look back at their vacation photos and feel great. Do you know your best selfie angle? Here’s how to find it.
🤖 AI comes to Alexa Intelligence: But it’s going to cost you up to $10 a month. Amazon is updating its smart assistant with an AI-powered Remarkable Alexa. The paid version will do a few fun tricks like handling emails and ordering food from Uber Eats. When Alexa can do the laundry, I’ll be impressed.
Stop leaving it up to chance: Today’s hackers have more tricks at their disposal than ever to fool even the savviest person. Protect your devices with a solid antivirus solution. It’s def worth $19 a year — trust me.
Mac trackpad tricks: If you tilt two fingers on your trackpad at the same time, you’ll rotate images and graphics. Double-tap with two fingers to zoom in (then back out) of a site or PDF. Lots more ideas here.
3 Google Lens tricks
The app is an incredible visual lookup tool. Here are three ways you can use it.
Tomfoolery: Don’t waste your time falling for “Olympics Has Fallen,” a fake documentary narrated by a phony Tom Cruise. It’s actually Russian disinformation about the Paris Olympics, loaded with AI tricks and a Netflix soundalike intro. Creative, but there are tells throughout, with “Tom” using non-American lingo like “hockey match” instead of “hockey game.”
MrBeast broke the YouTube record
His channel has more than 270 million subscribers, making him the most subscribed YouTuber in the world. What’s the key to his meteoric rise? Plus, X allows porn, don’t try this castor oil TikTok trend, and watch out for the latest scammer tricks.
Windows 11 surprise update: Microsoft is rolling out an unscheduled update for Windows 11. Patch KB5037853 is optional, but the changes will be applied to everyone during this month’s Patch Tuesday. There are bug fixes, new email tricks, ways to create QR codes and more. But you know about it first ‘cause I’ve got your back.