Do you trust everything the chatbot says? Here’s why you need to fact check it, in 60 seconds.
The online review problem is getting worse
If you’re like me, you scan online reviews before adding that big “something” to a shopping cart … choosing a new plumber or finding a place to get sushi — OK, you get the idea. And you probably are like me: Up to 99% of buyers look up online reviews before purchasing, well, anything.
But here’s the fly in the ratings soup: Reviews have never been less trustworthy. We’re surrounded by brigading (engineering lots of positive posts) and review bombing (engineering lots of negative posts).
No wonder people who trust digital reviews as much as personal referrals have fallen from 79% in the past couple of years to only 49% this year.
“Kim, I know. It’s a problem.” Then let’s talk about what to do. Keep this list as a handy lil reference when shopping for gifts, big ticket items and destinations … or just figuring out what the heck to trust.
Pics, or it didn’t happen
Snaps of the product, place or results are more challenging to fake than just words on a screen. Scan those photos for time stamps or, better yet, for EXIF data. You might uncover when and where the photo was taken, making sure it’s legit. Apps like Exif Pilot can help you dissect the image info. That’s a pro move!
Unfriend social media reviews
You know social media reviews can be sketchy. So, let’s pivot. Sure, Google Business Profile is solid, but how about crowd-sourced map reviews like those on Waze? Yep, you can get some real insider info on local businesses from customers and road warriors. The BBB is an excellent place to get a review, too.
Negative Nellies need not apply
Don’t get lured into the negativity spiral. Instead, apply the 24-hour rule. Check out a company’s response to recent negative reviews. They’re likely more reliable if they’ve addressed issues in a day. Also, make it a habit to skim through a company’s replies to customer reviews; they can be revealing.
Bypassing big-box bewilderment
Amazon’s a juggernaut, but let’s sidestep it. Did you know smaller online forums like Reddit’s r/BuyItForLife offer stellar recommendations from people who’ve had products for ages? Of course, you can’t beat Consumer Reports. I use this site for every major purchase.
Here's what Amazon knows about you when you use a Ring doorbell
When you want to protect your home, you look for security systems that warn when people are on your property, record footage you can access at any time and can sound an alarm that scares off any would-be burglars.
Alarm systems should have your protection at heart. The information your alarm company accesses should be used for that purpose and that purpose only.
Signs your new boyfriend or girlfriend is not who they say they are
Scammers are waiting around every corner, and special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Black Friday are usually when they kick their activities into high gear. Unfortunately, this is the perfect time of year for romance scams.
This tricky scam campaign goes after those who lost money in crypto
Cryptocurrency has always been a risky investment. Even though Bitcoin skyrocketed and made some investors millionaires, it’s difficult to predict when or why the crypto market will slide. Not only that, but the FBI warns that hackers have been targeting crypto platforms. Tap or click here for our report.
GPT-4 needs a lot more
The latest incarnation of ChatGPT is here. Should you trust it? In this one-minute podcast, I give my take.
Real reason Americans don't buy self driving cars
Can you really trust autopilot mode? Here’s my take, in one minute.
Can you really trust ChatGPT?
Would you let your AI make split second military or law enforcement decisions? Here’s why you shouldn’t, in 60 seconds.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Valentine's Day scams and red flags you need to watch for
Every year before Valentine’s Day, romantic hopefuls flock to shops to find the perfect gift for their partners. Whether it is a box of chocolates or a dozen roses, the day is supposed to be a celebration of all things love.
Scammer arrested after grandma spots his tricks - Here's what tipped her off
A scammer will try their luck with just about any scenario they can concoct. For example, an often-used tactic is when criminals call senior citizens claiming to be a relative. Then, pretending to be in debt or needing bond money, they will ask for wire transfers or cash deposits.
This Facebook scam cost someone $5K - Don't be the next victim
Scams come in all shapes and sizes, but cybercriminals love using social media to trick users. Using services like Facebook Messenger, it’s easy to impersonate someone else. Think you know all the government impersonator scams? Tap or click here for the latest scary twist.
$1.4M stolen from dating app users - Are you at risk?
Dating apps have become more popular since the pandemic swept across the globe. With physical interactions out of the question for many, millions flocked to online apps to meet new people and possibly a love interest.
If you have one of these security cameras, turn it off now
Security cameras in your home are a great way to keep track of what is going on around you. Some allow you to check-in with mobile devices through various functions — providing a live feed of any activity. Tap or click here for five uses for security cameras you never thought of before now.
Small-biz essential: How to pick the best VPN
Blocking threats online feels like a neverending game of whack-a-mole. That’s why it’s important to take safety precautions before it’s too late and a criminal already has compromised your system. The best way to protect yourself is with a virtual private network.
eBay secretly probes your computer - here's how to stop it
Millions of Americans have turned to online shopping for sheer convenience and more recently, as a means to stay safe from COVID-19. It just makes more sense to order online than taking the risk of exposure at a store.
Protect your data - Amazon employees fired after leaking private customer info
Updated 01/13/2020 – Amazon is having more problems with unruly employees. For the second time in the last couple of weeks, the company announced it had to terminate employees for breaching its policies. Last week we found out employees working for Ring, which is owned by Amazon, were caught spying on customers.