Hello on a techtastic Thursday, friend! Move over, Uber. There’s a new rideshare in town, and it’s packing heat. Startup BlackWolf’s drivers are armed for extra security. Most are ex-military or former law enforcement; they’re required to have a clean license, spotless federal background check and a permit to carry. And, yes, it costs a bit more — up to 15% over a typical Uber ride. BlackWolf is available in Atlanta, Orlando, Miami and Phoenix, with Houston, Dallas and Austin coming early next year.

🤑 Read to the end for tips on how to save big bucks on your next Uber ride. Now, let’s jump into the news! — Kim

🆕 Today's podcast: Apple kills this famous product

⏱️ Daily Tech Update: ”Wicked” dolls pulled after packaging fail

💡 Digital Life Hack: Use AI to read your lease

Whoa, we blinked and it's mid-November! The days are shorter, your to-do list is longer, and scammers are ready to catch you off guard. Luckily, you’ve got me on your side with the top holiday scams.

📲 ‘Hi, I’m calling from Amazon’

Criminals and AI voice bots are calling, emailing and texting, claiming to be Amazon employees. Oh, no, your account is on hold! Or there’s been suspicious activity you need to deal with now. They’ll ask you for your payment info — that’s a glaring red flag.

Stay safe: Only put payment details for Amazon directly into the website or the official app. If you get one of those calls, hang up and Google the phone number. I bet you’ll see reports from others who got the same call.

💻 An offer you can’t refuse

There’s an email in your inbox from Macy’s, and whoa! Everything is 50% to 70% off! Click the link, head to the site and all looks normal. Once you check out, though, you’re in big trouble.

Scammers use real brand assets (like logos, fonts and photos) to make you think Macy’s or another big retailer is having a major holiday sale. Then, they direct you to a site that looks like the real thing … but it’s not.

Stay safe: Always, always triple-check the URL. If you’re not sure of a retailer’s website, search in your browser, but don’t click any sponsored results. Type in the address yourself if you know it.

📦 Your package can’t be delivered

You receive a text or email saying your order is stuck at a shipping center. With all the online shopping we do, you probably don’t remember every purchase. Click on the link they sent you and you’re well on your way to a phishing scam.

Stay safe: FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service will never text you from an unknown number. If you’re worried about a delivery, call the shipping company directly. In emails, watch out for any subtle misspellings in the email address or the sender’s name. Block and report anything fishy.

🤑 The fake seasonal job

Lots of retailers and shipping companies hire in droves this time of year. Make sure any job postings you apply to or send to loved ones are legit.

Stay safe: UPS, Amazon, FedEx, Target and the rest are probably hiring, but they won’t make initial contact with you directly. Go to their websites and find the “Careers” section to apply.

✈️ A ticket to nowhere

Whoa, you found an amazing deal on an all-inclusive trip to a city on your bucket list. Hurry! It’s only available for a few more hours! You guessed it: It’s a scam. Criminals know at this time of year, you’re busy and might be too excited about a bargain to notice their tricks.

Stay safe: Only book through travel sites you’ve heard of and trust. If you go through an agency, call the airline and hotel directly with your confirmation number. Make sure your trip is confirmed, not just reserved.

🎁 ‘We need your help’

Feeling generous? Every nonprofit organization is looking for donations to end the year strong. They’ll sweeten the deal by reminding you your generosity is tax‑deductible.

Stay safe: Use a site that ranks charities and whether they deserve your money. BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator can give you a good feel for a charity’s financial health, accountability and transparency. Pro tip: I only donate through GoFundMe when it’s someone I know; there are just too many scams.

😂 A guy walks into a bar and notices a money jar on the counter. "What's that for?" he asks. "We're raising funds to help golfers who absolutely hate putting," the bartender replies. "Feel free to chip in."

🎄 These viral products are exactly what you’re missing. They make excellent, really practical gifts, too, just sayin’.

• Electric lighters (38% off) work when it’s windy out and never need stinky lighter fluid.
• Pick up a rapid egg cooker (under $20), whip up some deviled eggs and be the most popular person at the holiday party.
• Make your own cappuccinos with a milk frothing wand, on sale for $8. Slam-dunk stocking stuffer!
• Stop drinking warm wine you left sitting for too long. Get a personal wineglass chiller.
• A light therapy lamp will have you dreaming of summer. Get $10 off if you click the coupon box.
• There’s never enough room when you’re cooking. Add a magnetic stove shelf (13% off) for oil and seasonings.

⚠️ Traveling overseas? No bueno: There’s a terrifying new trend happening all over the globe: Kidnapping tourists for ransoms. A Venezuelan man, for instance, used a dating app to lure in three American tourists over a month-long stretch in the Dominican Republic. He’d arrange a date, pick up the person in his car, and then an accomplice would hop in to help him restrain his dates. All three victims were held at knifepoint and forced to call friends and family for money. So scary.

A hush-hush economy: When you agree to an app’s terms and conditions, you’re agreeing to be tracked — so says the Secret Service (great read, but it’s a paywall link). They used a data-broker company’s tool called Locate X to follow people over time through the apps they’d given GPS access to — no warrant needed or required. Now you know what you’re really doing when you agree to those permissions.

Patch your PC: Microsoft’s latest update fixes 89 security flaws, including four zero-day vulnerabilities. Bugs could expose your sensitive info, give hackers control of your PC or let them run malicious code remotely. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and hit Check for updates.

☕ Yum, a $25 latte: You can now order delivery directly through the Starbucks app. Brace yourself for fees: A $1.99 delivery charge, a $2 small-order fee if you spend under $10, a 15% service charge and sometimes an extra $4.99 for wages. Oh, and don’t forget to tip!

Social Security recipients get a 2.5% raise in January: Scammers are on it. The increase will show up automatically in your bank account or as a check in the mail, no action needed. If anyone contacts you asking for “extra steps” to get your raise, it’s a scam. Report any suspected fraud.

🤖 No truckin’ around: Late musician Jerry Garcia’s voice has been cloned by AI company Eleven Labs. Grateful Dead fans using the ElevenReader app (on iOS and Android) can now listen to the legendary guitarist read audiobooks, articles, poetry, PDFs and more in 32 languages. His daughter says it’s all about continuing his legacy as a tech enthusiast. Uh-huh … I’m seeing dollar signs all over this.

Amazon’s next big delivery: Jeff Bezos, 60, and Lauren Sanchez, 54, are tying the knot in a very expensive (I can’t even imagine), festive Aspen wedding this Christmas. Hey, Lauren, share your Amazon wedding registry list with me. I’m not sure if you already have these “Let’s get ship-faced” glasses on your $500,000,000 yacht, but I’m guessing knot.

Staying healthy is all about building solid habits. I eat plenty of leafy greens, stay hydrated, get my daily steps and put my phone away before bed. But even with the best routine, getting the right nutrients can be tricky.

Magnesium Breakthrough from BIOptimizers is a science-backed supplement that contains seven types of magnesium:

• Magnesium Malate: Can help with migraines, chronic pain and depression
• Magnesium Sucrosomial: Helps effectively produce energy
• Magnesium Taurate: Helps with heart function
• Magnesium Chelate: Important for muscle building, recovery and health
• Magnesium Citrate: Helps with the effects of obesity
• Magnesium Bisglycinate: Often used to treat upset stomach
• Magnesium Orotate: Helps with metabolic improvements

With Magnesium Breakthrough, you’re not just covering your magnesium needs — you're enhancing sleep quality, managing stress and boosting your body’s foundations for stronger bones and lasting wellness. Plus, it’s made from all-natural ingredients, and it’s vegan, gluten-free, soy-free and lactose‑free.

For the entire month of November, code KK10 will unlock up to $100 in free gifts, as well as a special three-product bundle for 15% off.

iPhone pro tip: Apple’s Shortcuts app lets you automate actions with just one click. The sky's the limit — for example, you can set up navigating to an event on your calendar, shrinking screenshots to save space and auto-sending happy birthday messages to your favorite people. Here’s a full guide on how to use it.

🔒 Privacy, please: On Android, you can automatically lock your Incognito tabs when you switch to another app. Open Chrome, then tap More > Settings > Privacy and security. Turn on “Lock Incognito tabs when you leave Chrome.”

Find the hidden gems: The next time you search for deals on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp or another site, type in the name of a brand you really like. Say I want an outdoor couch. I might type “Restoration Hardware outdoor” instead of scrolling endlessly through junky old stuff.

Holiday cooking is already on my mind: An inexpensive cookbook holder will keep your tablet out of the mess of flour, stock and butter. This one is gorgeous if you have a bit more to spend.

AirPods vs. hearing aids: When we were in the Bahamas last January, my husband, Barry, contracted a virus in his right ear, leaving him with severe hearing loss. Desperate for a quick solution, we tried Apple AirPods’ hearing aid feature, and, wow, it helped! But the battery only lasts a few hours, and it's really only effective for mild hearing loss. Here’s the bottom line: AirPods can’t replace the advanced technology and long-term reliability of hearing aids. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, take the next step toward clearer hearing. Click here for a risk-free 45-day trial of these German-engineered, virtually invisible hearing aids, and hear the difference for yourself!*

LG’s display tech just hit a big milestone: 50% stretchability. Imagine pulling out your phone and being able to twist and turn it all around.

💰 Your go-to rideshare app may not offer the best deals, depending on your location. Type your pickup and drop-off points into RideGuru to get a comparison of rideshare options in your area, including Uber, Lyft, Curb, Ola Cabs and DiDi Rider.

Smaller or regional options (like those names above you probably don’t recognize) can be a lot cheaper than Uber. Try Wingz, too, if you’re scheduling a ride to the airport in advance.

Speaking of, many airports add an expensive rideshare fee that gets passed along to you. I know someone who takes the airport shuttle to the nearest hotel or parking area instead of directly to the airport, and they catch an Uber from there to their destination instead.

✌ Phew, that was a packed newsletter! I’ll see you again tomorrow at the same place, same time. If no one has told you yet today, you’re awesome. — Kim