Scary signs that someone hacked your Amazon account
Returning items to Amazon is easy, but there are always exceptions. Here are four things the retail giant will not take back.
Then again, there’s likely some stuff around your house that Amazon, Target and Walmart are interested in. Trade in your old tech devices for credit.
Have you ever received a package that wasn’t intended for you? How about an empty box? While delivery errors happen, they could signify something more sinister.
Don’t just brush it off
The BBC reports people are receiving scarves from a company called “Suzhichou” that they didn’t order. This is known as a “brushing” scam, and it can involve anything from clothing to electronics to an empty package.
The order generates a tracking number, and the package is marked as delivered. Then the scammer leaves a five-star review to boost their ratings. Sending packages to random addresses also legitimizes false online storefronts, translating into more business.
If you receive something you didn’t order, report the package with Amazon’s Report Unwanted Package form. You get to keep the item even if you report it.
A crook doesn’t have to have access to your account to send you fake packages, but when they do, they can cause problems by using your account to scam others.
Here’s how to see if your Amazon account has been compromised.
Check your Amazon orders
- Sign into your Amazon account, hover your cursor over the Account & Lists tab, and choose Orders.
- Look for anything suspicious or unexpected. If you share an account, check with the other people with access.
- On the Orders page, select the drop-down menu next to orders placed in and choose Archived Orders. See anything there that you didn’t buy? That’s a major red flag.
Do you remember leaving that review?
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Best apps to convert old photos and negatives to digital
Forget scrolling through your phone’s endless photo gallery to find something. Here’s a pro trick to locate any photo you want in 30 seconds or less.
If your photos aren’t backed up, this is your reminder to do it now. You’d be heartbroken should you lose all those memories. Tap or click for the foolproof steps to make the job easier.
Most people make this major mistake: Sharing photos
You meet someone on a dating app, then take the conversation to text messages. Things are going well, and you send a picture of the sunrise one morning. Harmless, right? Boom! You may have just given away your exact location.
Quick pic tip: How to clean up your photo library, fast
While it’s fun to take more than five pics of every cute animal, life event or meal, your phone has a limit. For every beautiful shot, you’re probably saving a bunch of junk, too. Are you getting that “storage full” message? It’s a pain.
Your every move tracked: How to remove Apple and Google’s location data
It’s no secret anymore. Nearly everything you do online is tracked or recorded and used to learn more about you.
Many of your data points ends up on creepy people search sites. You’ll be shocked to find your full name, address, relatives, phone number, and more. Here’s a list of sites where you can opt out of this invasion of privacy.
Do this quick Google account security check now
There’s no question: It’s tempting to use that “Sign in with Google button.”
Is it safe? The answer is complicated, but your best bet is to have separate logins for each service you use. Use these new rules to create a strong password you can remember.
5 secrets only cybersecurity pros and hackers know
Some security steps are common knowledge. I don’t need to remind you to install that latest update on your computer, right? Others are less obvious. Do you lock your computer every time you get up? Unless you live alone, you should. Here’s the easiest way to do it if you’re lazy.
Stop sharing your real phone number with everyone
How many people and companies have your phone number if you had to guess? Maybe a hundred? Think again.
Want to be shocked? Your cellphone and landline number (if you still have one) are probably posted online where I found mine — at a people search site that doesn’t cost a dime. Tap or click here for sites that let you search for phone numbers.
This one hidden Google shortcut will save you time every single day
Most of us know at least some basic keyboard shortcuts. Ctrl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste, and the infamous Ctrl + Alt + Delete for when things aren’t going so well.
That’s not all. You can use your keyboard to paste text without its original messy formatting, take a picture of your screen, and create a virtual desktop to keep work and life separate. Tap or click here for seven shortcuts that will help you save even more time.
Don’t lose important messages: How to save your voicemails
Life is short, and there’s more than ever to think about when it comes to the end of life. Tap or click for steps to decide who gets access to your accounts when you’re gone.
If you’ve lost someone, you know how comforting pictures and videos can be. Being able to read old text conversations is special, too. Tap or click for the best way to save your texts.
Happy New Year from Kim! How to live your best digital life in 2023
Let me be among the first to wish you a blessed, healthy, and prosperous New Year! We make resolutions this time of year more than any other time.
The average American makes three resolutions, and the theme is pretty much summarized by one word — better. We want to look better. We want to act better. We want to be better. We just want to be better at something.
Have a spy on your phone? Take steps now!
I read every single note from people like you who need a hand with something digital. One common theme lately is from people worried someone is spying on their phones. If that rings true, keep reading. You can drop me your questions on my site here.
5 smart tech tips for the best road trip this holiday season
Planning a road trip? You’ll want to make sure your car is safe for travel. Tap or click here for five maintenance checks to do every month.
AAA predicted 54.6 million people would travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving. That’s a 1.5% increase over 2021 and 98% of pre-pandemic volumes. 49 million said they would travel by car.
Before you start holiday shopping, do this to hide your gift purchases
The holidays will be here before you know it, and — like it or not — Amazon is an easy way to get something everyone will love.
If you have Amazon Prime, it comes with a lot of great perks beyond fast, free shipping. Tap or click for some of my favorites to get the most out of that $15 per month.
Planning a trip? These things can get you BANNED from Airbnb
Rental platforms like Airbnb make finding the ideal place to stay easy. You can rent a space for multiple people to share, a shared space with private rooms or the entire property for yourself.
Did you know that Airbnb lets property owners monitor guests via camera? There are certain restrictions, but you may feel uncomfortable being watched, plus people sometimes break the rules and install cameras where they shouldn’t (such as in a bedroom). Tap or click here for a gadget that helps you detect hidden cameras.
30-second privacy check every Google and Facebook user must do today
So much about you is collected, compiled, and sold to the highest bidder. Shady people finder and data broker sites make it their business to know as much about you as possible. Tap or click here for three sites you should check for your info and steps to remove it.
Tech tip: How to digitally sign a document on a PC, Mac, Android or iPhone
Technology has undoubtedly made many things simpler, but it’s also introduced new worries. Here are five dangerous cybersecurity mistakes you might be making. Scan this list to make sure you’re not putting yourself in danger.
Check your medicine cabinet! How to find recalled drugs
When was the last time you went through your medicine cabinet? Drug recalls are common, but you may miss the news and take a recalled medication anyway.
The same happens with car recalls. We’re driving along, blissfully unaware of a major recall. Here’s how to search for recalls affecting your vehicle.
Tech how-to: How to automatically alert loved ones in an emergency
Uncertain times remind us that we’re not always prepared as we need to be.
In the digital world, no one is ever truly ready for the reality of getting hacked. Tap or click to see if someone is really watching what you do or if you’re being paranoid.
What are Amazon mystery boxes? Are they worth the money?
Imagine working without the tools you need to get the job done. Unfortunately, this is a common problem that teachers have to deal with. Some post wish lists full of classroom supplies to Twitter or Facebook with the tag #ClearTheList, hoping a generous netizen will lend a helping hand.