Hello to a sunny tech-incredible Sunday, friend! I’ve been using iOS 18 for months now as a beta tester. One neat feature is Vocal Shortcuts. Just speak a phrase and your phone does it. When I say, “Camera, please,” my phone is ready to take a pic. You can use Vocal Shortcuts for just about anything, from turning on the flashlight or getting the spa temperature to sharing a Wi‑Fi password. Of course, I’ll be telling you about more features when iOS 18 gets released in full in about a month.

🛑 Stop in the name of malware! I talk about your internet security all the time because it matters. If your computer, tablet or phone is unprotected, you’re asking for trouble. TotalAV is affordable and keeps five of your devices safe against malware and other junk. FYI, if you buy, I don’t get any kickbacks! Now, get ready for a tech know-how download. — Kim

I got a question this week from Janet in Idaho. She was scrolling Instagram, clicked an ad for a super-cute dress and bought it. Next thing you know, there are bogus charges on her debit card. “How the heck did that happen?” she asked me. “It was a website I’ve shopped on before.”

Oh, Janet, don’t be a Mrs. Potato Head. Only use a credit card to shop online. They have fraud protections that debit cards don’t. And be on the lookout for scammers’ newest trick: Fake websites.

It starts with clicking an ad

This latest nefarious trick works because it’s copying websites you trust. The URL looks fine, the logos and slogans are there, the product pages look normal, and the payment platforms shown are all legit. Some of the sites even have the trusted HTTPS certification and 100% fake reviews.

So, how do you end up there in the first place? The jerk behind the site takes out social media ads and sends emails. You’re then lured by the extra-low prices, special discounts and free shipping.

Spoiler: You aren’t getting that product you ordered, or it’ll be a cheap knockoff. Worse, you may end up with a malware download that steals even more of your personal information.

Spot fake sites, fast

Here’s my quick cheat sheet to check before making a single click. For starters, if the price of whatever you’re buying is less than half of what it normally would be, move on, and ask yourself these questions:

• Is the URL multiple words? Big brands have enough clout to get simple domain names, like Macys⁠.⁠com or BestBuy⁠.⁠com. Fraudulent sites use longer, weirder titles like “MacyOutletShop.”
• Does this trendy boutique even exist? Many scam sites use names that sort of sound real, like “Homitage.” But if you’ve never heard of it, Google it. You should at least come up with reviews, additional landing pages or third-party sites selling the brand.
• Are there pushy pop-ups? Some websites have pop-ups for chats or discounts. But phony sites push pop-ups to ask for your contact or payment information while you’re still shopping.
• Where’s the customer service? Counterfeit sites may have a “Contact Us” email form that goes nowhere, but real sites will have plenty of ways to contact their customer service team.
• How do images look up close? Reliable sites use high-res images that are easy to expand or open in another window. Bogus sites typically use low-quality pics that don’t stand up under scrutiny.

Pro tip: Check the IP

Use this IP address tool to see where the site is located. Look for suspicious signs, like an American business with an IP address from overseas, including spots like China, India, Venezuela and other places that just don’t make sense.

Janet in Idaho, this one’s for you … The other day, I was in Safeway getting ingredients for potato leek soup. Two women were engaged in deep conversation about a friend’s divorce right in front of the leeks. So I said, “Excuse me, ladies, I need to take a leek.” It took them a few seconds to laugh.

Malware is harmful software designed to damage, disrupt or steal information from your computer, phone or another connected device. Back in the day, a little common sense was all you needed to avoid it. That’s just not the case anymore.

These days, 94% of all malware comes from email. Just receiving a harmful email can be enough of a way in for cybercriminals. And if you mistakenly download a malicious file, you’re in for a heck of a time cleaning up your system.

That’s why you need antivirus software that does the hard work for you. I did the research and picked TotalAV. It’s a product I use! Their award-winning tech protects you in real time from all the threats cybercriminals throw at you each day.

🥩 7 million pounds of meat recalled: A third person has died after eating listeria-contaminated Boar’s Head meats (deli, bacon, hot dogs and sausage) made between May 10 and July 29, 2024. Here’s a full list of recalled products you need to throw out right now. This version has label photos.

ADT got hacked: Customer addresses, phone numbers and email addresses are out in the wild. ADT says its home security systems weren’t compromised and payment details are safe. Good time to get 20% off plus a free indoor camera from the award-winning home security company I use and trust, SimpliSafe.*

Here VR, folks: Microsoft ordered a few hundred thousand micro-OLED displays for its next-gen VR headset. The plan is a device that makes watching movies and playing games more immersive. If Microsoft prices it under $500, they might have something. The $3,500 Apple Vision Pro was a complete bust.

Swan song: Here’s something to share: Spotify’s CEO earned $345 million in the last year. How does that compare to an artist on the service? They’d need 115 billion plays to earn the same amount in 12 months. Most earn $0.003 per stream. Btw, that’s 15 billion more streams than Drake has had so far.

⛳️ No ifs, ands or putts: A study found checking your phone for work-related tasks while playing golf hurts your game performance. Why? It’s called “attention residue,” or when you keep thinking about something long after putting your phone away. If you’re using your phone for distance measurements, pick up a rangefinder instead.

NYC to London in 1.5 hours: NASA’s officially working on commercial aircraft with speeds between Mach 2 and Mach 4, or from 1,535 to 3,045 miles per hour — twice the F/A-18’s Mach 1.8. That's so fast your in-flight peanuts will catch up with you at the baggage claim.

Rest in peace: Former YouTube CEO and Silicon Valley trailblazer Susan Wojcicki passed away at 56 after a two-year battle with lung cancer, just months after her 19-year-old son died of a drug overdose in his dorm room. She rented her Menlo Park home’s garage to founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin where they started Google and became one of their first employees. I hate cancer.

Little things can make a huge difference.

• A criminal with the right gear can copy the signal from your key fob. Toss it in a Faraday bag (two for $8) to block them out.
• Earbuds get crusty. Use an $8 kit to keep yours gunk-free without damaging the speakers.
• Can’t remember keyboard shortcuts you want to try? Slap a cheat-sheet sticker on your computer. Here’s one for Mac; this one's for Windows.
• Are they watching? Know for sure with a $7 cam cover you can use on a phone, tablet or computer.
• I keep my phone on a stand (46% off!) when I’m working at my desk. Nice in the kitchen, too.

A no-brainer if you have a dog: Fido Alert is like an Amber Alert for pets. Register your furry friend and you’ll get a free ID tag that includes a QR code. In case your pet goes missing, alert the Fido network. Then, if someone scans the QR code, they’ll get your contact info and you’ll get a notification. I keep an AirTag on my golden, Abby, and she wears a smart collar.

Play ball: Roku’s launching a free 24/7 sports channel tomorrow, Aug. 12. It’ll include live events and original content, like “MLB Sunday Leadoff” games, Formula E races, NBA G League and “WWE: Next Gen.” Watch on a Roku device, their website, or through the iOS or Android apps.

🚘 Wrap it up: You’ve seen them on the street — cars wrapped in giant advertisements. Believe it or not, doing this to your ride pays pretty well. You can make $100 to $450 per month! Want to try it out? Go with Carvertise if you also do a rideshare; otherwise, check out Wrapify.

Gimme some space: Here’s an easy trick to hide all your applications so you can focus on one thing at a time. In Windows, right-click on the taskbar and select Show the desktop. (Click Show open windows to get everything back up.) On a Mac, hit Cmd + Option + H.

✅ Unlock perfect hearing: If you’re tired of missing out on conversations, don’t miss this — the new, nearly invisible hearing aids everyone is raving about. With dual processors for crystal-clear sound, these are changing lives. Act now to see if you qualify for a risk-free trial and start hearing every word!*

• Rick in San Francisco called me after a loved one fell for an IRS scam. Fake agents told her to withdraw thousands from ATMs, wrap the cash and ship it through UPS. So sad.
• Dr. Nathan Jones in Chicago spent a year in NASA’s Mars-simulated habitat. He’s back on Earth, and we talked about how he handled isolation and future Mars missions.
• Lloyd in Springfield, Missouri, wants to make a series of videos full of advice on relationships and finances so his son can always look back at them.

Plus, Mark needs security cam advice, Mike fell for a warrant scam, Thomas thinks all his Apple gear is slowing, Jeff wants tips on eSIMs for travel and so much more!

Schedule: A free eye exam. If you’re over 65, hit this link.

🧀 Wow: I am definitely making this grilled, edible cheeseboard.

Check out: The fascinating restoration of the first-ever Air Force One.

Double-check: Your four-wheel drive before you get stuck on that camping trip. All you need is a parking curb and this 30-second video.

🦟 Stop mosquitoes: Use this body wash proven to turn off the bloodsuckers.

Watch out for fake emails like this one making the rounds.

⚡️ Ever wonder if it’s safe to use your phone during a lightning storm? Lightning usually goes for taller objects that conduct electricity well. Your smartphone has such a tiny amount of metal in it, and it’s all encased and doesn't conduct electricity. So, no, it's not likely to attract a lightning strike.

🥩 Now, how rare is it for a cow to be struck by lightning? Medium‑rare.

One last bit of wisdom: Cybercriminals are just too good for you to spot all their tricks. You need software that does the job for you. Check out TotalAV before it’s too late. See you back here tomorrow at the same time, same place. — Kim