 |
| fig. 1 - Review Your Subscriptions |
Criterion | Score (0–10) | JustificationValue | 9The audit can prevent unwanted renewals and exposes subscriptions scattered across several billing systems.Usability | 8Apple and Google make their own subscriptions easy to review, but direct and third-party billing requires extra detective work.Wow Factor | 5The controls are not new, but using Labor Day as a yearly financial reset is clever and immediately useful.Total: 22/30 | 👍 GoodThis is a high-value seasonal habit built from familiar tools that many users overlook.Unlike a dedicated subscription-tracking app, this approach costs nothing and avoids giving another app access to financial information. The tradeoff is that you must check more than one location.
*Prices accurate when originally published.
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A recent security report highlights concerns about online services that allegedly sell access to large databases of driver's license information, underscoring how valuable personal data has become to criminals.
Information from a driver's license can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, account takeovers, and other scams.
Even if you have never lost your license, your information may have been exposed through a data breach or third-party service.
To protect yourself, monitor your credit reports regularly, be cautious about sharing photos of your license online, and watch for unexpected financial accounts or verification requests in your name.
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file if you believe your personal information may have been compromised.
The more valuable your personal data becomes, the more important it is to treat it like cash and guard it carefully.
🚨Before You Scan That QR Code, Take a Closer Look🚨
QR codes make it easy to pay for parking, access menus, and complete purchases, but scammers are using them too.
The FTC warns that criminals have been placing fake QR code stickers over legitimate ones, especially on parking meters, to send people to fraudulent websites designed to steal money and personal information.
Before scanning any QR code, check for signs that a sticker may have been placed over an original code and review the web address before opening it.
Be alert for misspellings, unusual website names, or anything that seems out of place.
Keep your phone and apps updated, use strong passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication to help protect your accounts.
If you think you scanned a fake QR code, change any affected passwords immediately and review your bank and credit card transactions for suspicious activity.
🚨The Car Dealership Website Might Be Fake🚨
Shopping for a car online?
The FTC warns that scammers are creating convincing fake dealership websites designed to steal money from buyers.
These sites may copy real dealer logos, vehicle photos, customer reviews, and even detailed purchase policies to appear legitimate.
Some scammers lure buyers with hard-to-find vehicles or deals that seem too good to pass up.
Before sending money, research the dealership, search for complaints, and verify that the vehicle and business are real.
If possible, see the car in person or arrange for an independent inspection.
Most importantly, walk away if the seller insists on payment by wire transfer only.
⚠️ This Phishing Scam Can Bypass Your Password⚠️
The FBI is warning consumers about a growing threat called consent phishing, a scam that tricks people into granting access to their accounts instead of stealing their passwords.
These attacks often arrive through email, text messages, or messaging apps and may appear to come from trusted organizations, event planners, media contacts, or government officials.
When users click the link and approve access, they can unknowingly give scammers permission to read emails, access sensitive data, and even send messages on their behalf.
What makes this scam especially dangerous is that changing your password may not immediately remove the access you granted.
Before approving any request to connect an app to your account, verify who sent it and only authorize applications you trust.
If something feels suspicious, stop and investigate before clicking "Allow."
🚨Don't Get Fooled by a Fake Health Portal Alert🚨
Cybercriminals are sending convincing text messages and emails that appear to come from popular healthcare portals such as MyChart, claiming you have new test results, billing issues, appointment updates, or even free health benefits waiting for you.
The goal is to trick you into clicking a link and entering passwords, personal information, insurance details, or payment information.
These messages often use familiar logos and healthcare language to create a sense of urgency and trust.
If you receive an unexpected healthcare notification, do not click the link.
Instead, open your provider's official app or type the healthcare organization's website address directly into your browser.
Remember that legitimate healthcare providers will not ask for your password or verification codes through email or text messages.
Taking a moment to verify a message could help protect both your personal information and your medical records.
⚠️ Before You Donate After a Disaster, Read This⚠️
When hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or other tragedies make headlines, scammers often see an opportunity.
The FBI warns that fake charities, fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns, and imposters posing as relief organizations frequently appear after major disasters.
These scams can arrive through social media, text messages, emails, phone calls, or even fake websites that look legitimate.
Before donating, stick with established organizations you know and trust, and take a few minutes to research any unfamiliar charity.
Be wary of groups with names that closely resemble well-known charities.
The FBI also advises against donating with cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, since those payment methods are favorites among scammers.
When you give thoughtfully, your generosity is far more likely to reach the people who truly need help.
🚨Don't Fall for the Scams That Follow Breaking News🚨
Scammers move fast, and major news events often create new opportunities for fraud.
Following reports about Dolly Parton's death, cybercriminals quickly began creating fake social media accounts, fraudulent charity appeals, and misleading merchandise offers aimed at fans.
These scams often use emotional stories and urgent requests to encourage people to click links, donate money, or share personal information.
Whenever a celebrity, public figure, or major news story dominates headlines, be extra cautious before donating, buying commemorative products, or responding to social media posts.
Verify information through official websites and trusted organizations rather than links shared in comments or direct messages.
A good rule to remember is that scammers often exploit emotions, so slowing down and verifying before acting can help keep your money and information safe.
