Don't fall for this coupon scam on Facebook

Don't fall for this coupon scam on Facebook

By Kevin Downey

PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK/KROGER

It's easy to brush off Facebook scams as nothing but a minor annoyance. After all, you hear about Facebook scams every day.

Some are silly, like a recent "Christmas bonus" scam that probably didn't fool too many people. Facebook is giving away money for Christmas? Unlikely.

Still, you can't just dismiss Facebook scams. Some of them are costly, like a woman who lost $44,550 to help her would-be fiance return to America.

Now, there's word of a Facebook scam involving a tempting coupon, to save money at a major grocery store. It sounds like a harmless scam, but it isn't. In fact, it's scary because you could end up sharing your personal information with cyber criminals.

You may see a 40% off Kroger coupon on Facebook. It's easy to get fooled.



This Facebook scam gets points for being convincing. It looks like a Kroger coupon, saying you can save 40% on your shopping until the end of the year, and all you have to do is say "thanks" under comments.

The problem begins when you click on the coupon, so you can print it out. If you do, you're taken to a bogus site.

There, you're asked to fill out personal information. There may also be links that would infect your device with malware.

Kroger posted a warning about the coupon scam on Facebook (see photo above): "This is currently an unauthorized 40% off all purchase in store offer circulating.

"This giveaway is not affiliated with, or supported by the Kroger Co. in any way. We recommend not engaging with sites that offer links to the coupon, or providing them with any personal information. Our team is actively working with Facebook and domain service providers to address the concern."

Stop stores and airports from tracking your movements

Stop stores and airports from tracking your movements
By Kim Komando


Did you know that for several months Wal-Mart tested a facial recognition system that can pick an individual out of a crowd and track them automatically through a store? It's true. Wal-Mart was mainly using the system to spot known shoplifters, but I'm sure you can think of more worrying purposes.

Facial recognition is one of many technologies that brick-and-mortar retailers are testing to get real-time data on their customers. Online stores can see exactly what products and ads a user looks at, but offline retailers traditionally only know what people buy. They want to change that so they can maximize their marketing and profits.

HOW RETAILERS TRACK YOU

  While facial recognition is still in limited use, many retailers, and other locations with a lot of traffic like airports, are using Mobile Location Analytics to track your exact location. For example, an airport knows how much time you spent in a shop, moving through security or at the baggage claim. A store knows when you move from one department to another, or even linger in a certain aisle.

How do they do this?

MLA uses the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in your smartphone or tablet. Every mobile gadget has a unique 12-digit hardware identifier called a MAC address that it broadcasts via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. As your gadget comes in range of the various Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth hubs scattered around a store or airport, the MLA system picks up your MAC address.

Companies collect this information over time and use it to track traffic flow, line wait times, popular products or aisles, tweak employee work schedule and more. But could they use the information to do something more?

The good news is that on its own, your gadget's MAC address tells the store nothing about you. Your name, email and phone number aren't transmitted. At most, it might be able to figure out what manufacturer made your phone.

Most of the companies that handle this tracking have also signed agreements that they won't try to tie your MAC address to any other information they might have about you. Of course, those agreements are voluntary and there are ways a company could identify you if it wanted.

HOW A COMPANY COULD LEARN YOUR IDENTITY

One way is by using in-store beacons. These beacons use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Near-Field Communication to connect with your phone and send you deals on products you're walking past. To receive these deals, however, you have to be running the store's app, or have signed up to receive them. So, there's no real privacy concern.

However, imagine if a store were to combine your MAC address location with a beacon pushing a deal to your phone. You likely signed up to receive the deals with your name and email address. It's a simple matter to link that information up with the company's records of your purchase history from your credit card or loyalty card. The store could have a full profile on you in seconds.

Then there's facial recognition, as we talked about earlier. If a company knows your gadget's location, it's a simple matter to point a camera at you. Granted, most facial recognition systems require a photo on file to make a match.

However, if a company has your name and email address, it's a short leap to get your profile picture from Facebook and spot you as you walk into the store. Of course, that's unlikely for the foreseeable future because of the backlash it would cause.

However, it doesn't have to be the store that's tracking you. If law enforcement was doing an investigation and got your gadget, they could technically subpoena records from MLA companies for the gadget's MAC address and learn your movements. Or if the MAC address records were lost in a data breach, I'm sure hackers could find some use for them.


HOW TO STOP THE TRACKING

The Future of Privacy Forum has set up a site called Smart Store Privacy. If you go there, you can put in your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MAC addresses and it will tell participating tracking companies (there are 12 signed on at the moment) not to track those addresses. You don't have to give any other information.

Finding your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MAC addresses is a little tricky depending on your gadget. Here are some general instructions.

APPLE

For Apple gadgets, go to Settings>>General>>About and look under Wi-Fi Address and Bluetooth. You're looking for a 12-digit number like 91:17:7B:82:C2:A5 or 91-17-7B-82-C2-A5. It should be clearly labeled. If you don't see an address, you should turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and then check again.

Note: If you're using an Apple gadget running iOS 8 or higher, it changes its MAC address every time it connects to a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hotspot. So, a store won't be able to track you because it will look like a new gadget every time.

ANDROID

For Android gadgets, every phone manufacturer has things set up a little differently. First, make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on. Then go to Settings>>About Phone, or Settings>>About Tablet. It might be under Hardware Information or Status. If you can't find it, check your gadget's manual for the precise location.

WINDOWS PHONE

For Wi-Fi, go to Start>>Settings>>Connections>>Wireless LAN>>Advanced. Look in the MAC field. Wi-Fi needs to be on for this to work.

For Bluetooth, go to Start>>Settings>>Connections>>Bluetooth>>Accessibility and look under Address. Bluetooth needs to be on for the address to show up.

BLACKBERRY

For Wi-Fi, go to Setup>>Options>>Device>>Device and Status Information, and look under the WLAN MAC heading.

On Blackberry gadgets running OS 5 or earlier, go to Options>>Status and look under WLAN MAC.

For getting the Bluetooth address, go to Connections>>Bluetooth>>Properties to find the MAC address.

Of course, there are tracking companies out there not signed up with Smart Store Privacy. To totally avoid tracking, you'll have to turn off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth before entering a store. That keeps your MAC address from broadcasting.

Facebook Friend Request SCAM

Beware: Facebook friend request scam
By Kevin Downey


It's so easy to get lured into online friendships. Especially this time of year, when people are friendlier than usual and reaching out to old acquaintances like you, you often accept friend requests without giving it much thought.

That's nice, when it's a person you know and trust. But, too often, your so-called online friends are really just scammers trying to steal your identity.

If you think back to when you first signed up for social media sites like Facebook, you probably put in information about yourself that seemed safe. Your birthday and home town seem innocent enough. Plus, a little information about your job or, if you're in the military, where you're stationed.

But all that information is useful to scammers trying to steal your ID. The Better Business Bureau asks social media users to report Facebook scams and other social media scams to them. But there's more you can do to protect yourself from having your ID stolen.

Besides reporting scams to the BBB after they've occurred, you also need to be proactive. You need to check your social media profiles, and get rid of information that scammers can use to steal your ID, according to a professor at the University of South Florida.

Here's what he recommends you do:

1. Don't accept friend requests from people you don't know, even if they know people you know
2. Don't include your birthday, address, or phone number on your profile
3. Frequently update your privacy settings; make sure you put restrictions on who can request that you be their friend

As you share Thanksgiving photos with your family and friends on Facebook this weekend, be on the lookout for scammers. Plus, when you have a moment, review your profile and privacy settings. It can save you headaches down the road.

Source: The Epoch Times

Facebook Quiz Warning

Don't take that viral Facebook quiz
By Kelli Uhrich


Updated 11/25 with new clarifications from Vonvon and instructions to disable the quiz app.

We know it's tempting. You've seen that quiz going around that all your friends seem to be taking. It's a personality quiz, and that's right up your alley. But, wait a second. Before you take it, you might want to think twice. And if you've already taken it, keep reading to learn what you should do.

The quiz "Your Most Used Words on Facebook" is a viral sensation. It scans your Facebook posts and creates a "word cloud" from the words you use most in your account. But, this quiz could go beyond just collecting your name and a few details about your life.

It has access to your birth date, hometown, education and work details. It picks up everything you've liked and browsed, and even has access to your photos. Plus, it archives your IP address.

That's quite a bit of information for a simple quiz on Facebook. And the thing is most people take the quiz after agreeing to the terms first. The app prompts a page that asks you to authorize its connection with your Facebook account.

We see those pop-ups all the time, though. So it's easy to assume that it's just another request, and it's probably fine. But this should make you take another look, and be more cautious.

What's particularly frightening about this Facebook quiz is the Privacy Policy associated with the app. You know, those lengthy contracts that nobody reads? The company behind the quiz, Vonvon.me, has snuck a little nugget in there that everyone should know.

The policy states that anyone who logs in using Facebook is authorizing the app to continue using their information even after they've terminated their account. Even more, users who agree to the terms are authorizing the app to store their information on servers around the globe. Some of which are located in countries where privacy laws don't exist.

Of course, the Vonvon.me agreement states it would never share your personal information with a third party without telling you first. However, it also says in the agreement that by clicking "OK" you're stating you've been told.

The CEO of Vonvon has spoken out and clarified that it doesn't actually pull any of your personal information out of Facebook or sell any of it. It only uses the bare minimum it needs to create the word cloud. However, it's a good reminder that the company could have if it wanted, and some other company in the future might.

If you already took the quiz and granted permissions for the app to access your Facebook account, you can't take back whatever information it already collected. However, you can keep it from scooping up more of your information in the future.

You'll need to unlink the app from your Facebook account. To unlink an app or game from Facebook, follow these steps:

1. Click the arrow in the upper-right corner of your Facebook page and select Settings
2. Click Apps in the left menu
3. Hover over the app or game you'd like to remove and click X. This app could be identified as "Vonvon" or "Your Most Used Words on Facebook." You should also review what other apps you've given access to in the past and what permissions they have.

Note: An app or game may have stored info from when you were using it, but you can contact the developer to ask that they delete any info they may still have.

Walmart Check Fraud

WARNING: If You Get a Check From Walmart in the Mail it Means…

Scams are rampant these days, with most of them taking place on the internet. One group of scammers, however, have found a new way to drain funds from your bank account.

A group of scammers is sending out fake checks, like the one pictured above. It also comes with a letter like this:

The Massac County Sheriff’s Office issued the following warning:

A new scam to hit this area is the Walmart scam. A person receives a letter, like the one below, in the mail along with a check, like the one pictured above.
The letter informs the person that they have been accepted into the Quality Control program from Walmart. The letter informs the person of their responsibilities.
A check activation is required using a supplied user ID and password. Once the check is activated, the person is to deposit the check into their bank account to begin shopping and participating in the program. THIS IS A SCAM. Once you deposit the check into your account, the scammers drain your account.
DO NOT DEPOSIT THIS CHECK.
If you receive this letter in the mail, throw it away.

This scam certainly hits on your desperation and/or greed, and takes advantage of your need for money. It can be quite easy to see a check and immediately take it to the bank, but if you see this or anything like it, please check into it first. Odds are, people and corporations aren’t just going to send you money out of the blue.

Take the time to protect yourself and your assets.

10 Safety Essentials That Most Homes Are Missing

Although it's tempting to brush off the possibility that a fire, break-in, or other emergency could strike your home, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that you're prepared for anything by outfitting your home with these 10 safety essentials that you may not have–or even realize that you need.

1. Smart Door Locks.

Shared or lost keys can unlock the door to trouble. When the "key" to your house is on your phone, though, or entered into a keypad, you don't need to worry as much that others might have unlimited access to your home. Upgrading the deadbolt on your door with technology like the August Smart Lock can give you greater control over who enters your home and when. Create temporary virtual keys for guests to arrive at prearranged times, or simply buzz them in at a moment's notice from your phone. For peace of mind, you can check back on the app for a full log of recent visitors. Available on Amazon; $199.

2. First Aid Kit.

While this seems obvious, you should always keep a first aid kit on hand so you're prepared for accidents or emergencies. Pick up a prepackaged product like this 36-piece set that goes way beyond the basics, complete with alcohol swabs, a whistle, and a compass. The lightweight case is attached to a carabiner, so it's easy to take on the go too. Available on Amazon; $21.

3. Emergency Ladder.

Although we all hope we never have to endure the damage and loss of life that can be caused by a house fire, it’s still important to be prepared for one. If the unthinkable happens, an emergency ladder could save your life. Consider purchasing a multistory model and stashing it in an accessible location, preferably near a window, so you or your family members will be able to quickly and safely escape the house in the event of fire. Available on Amazon; $35.

4. Wi-Fi Connected HVAC.

You may think of your heating system primarily as a source of physical comfort, but in the winter it can protect your home against devastating damage. To ensure that your heating system stays on task, consider a Wi-Fi-connected thermostat like the Nest. The technology offers you the convenience of being able to control your thermostat from anywhere, via any Internet-enabled device. But more important, Wi-Fi thermostats provide real-time system alerts, so if your heating system were to fail, you could take action immediately—before frozen pipes and related hazards endanger your home. Available on Amazon; $249.

5. Motion Sensor Lights.

There's a reason why many police departments and security experts recommend installing motion-sensor lights as a defense against nighttime intruders. These energy-conscious fixtures shine a light on would-be burglars, deterring those who would rather do their bad deeds in the dark. Installed near entryways, motion-sensor lights also provide safe passage to anyone arriving home after dark. Available on Amazon; $19.47.

6. Hand Crank Radio.

Losing power doesn't have to mean losing touch with the rest of the world. This emergency radio needs only one of these three sources to operate: three AAA batteries, a little sunlight, or a small workout via a hand crank. Once the radio's running, you can set it to broadcast local weather alerts and still have enough juice to recharge your phone. And should you forget your candles and matches as you run to the basement for shelter, this phone-charging radio unit also serves triple-duty as an LED flashlight. Available on Amazon; $80.

7. Battery and Propane Powered Lights and Heaters.

At most times of the year, power outages are merely a nuisance. In the winter, however, they are downright dangerous. Why? Because the whole-home heating systems we use today rely on electricity. Without electricity, well, you're on your own. If your home doesn't have a fireplace and you're reluctant to get a generator, look into options like the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater. Rated for indoor use, the propane-powered unit can keep a 200-square-foot space comfortable for as long as the fuel supply lasts. Available on Amazon; $136.59.

8. House Safe.

A small safe can really come in handy for safeguarding valuables like passports, family heirlooms, checkbooks, and other important papers. A safe that’s cleverly hidden away can keep these possessions from being stolen in the event of a break-in, and a fireproof and waterproof model can protect your valuables from the devastating effects of a fire. Available on Amazon; $65.

9. Fire Extinguishers.

A fire extinguisher may not be the most exciting or attractive addition to your home, but this must-have safety essential could save your life. Place it in an easily accessible area so you can quickly and effectively put out a fire, or at least tame the flames while your family escapes to safety. Available on Amazon; $20.

10. Butane Lighters and Candles.

When the lights suddenly flicker and you find yourself shrouded in darkness, a lighter can be a wonderful thing. Always have a few of these close at hand in case the power goes out or another emergency situation arises—you'll be grateful that they're there. A lighter can help you start a fire, illuminate a few candles, or navigate the dark. Purchase a pack of three or more so you'll have extras available whenever you need them. Available on Amazon; $8 for 6.


Urban Man!

She Thought She Had A $50 Bill

She Thought She Had A $50 Bill…Until She Realized She’d Been Scammed

by Jason DeWitt | Top Right News

 

People are extremely protective of their money, and with good reason. Getting a job in today’s market is hard enough, and everything is so expensive, so holding on to money is of the utmost importance. Whether that means continuously counting the cash in our wallets, or obsessively checking our online bank statements, we do so much to protect what we’ve earned.

But what if you didn’t have as much money as you thought, even after all that counting? You could be carrying counterfeit bills without even knowing it.

A new scam is so pervasive throughout much of America that the FBI and large banks have issued alerts to customers to be on the lookout, and carefully review all $50 bills, after “tens of thousands” of $10 bills have been altered to resemble the $50, and many people have been scammed by it.

But there’s one way to ensure that your bills are exactly what they appear to be. Here’s how.

All you need is a little bit of rubbing alcohol. Check out the entire process in the video below:

How to Create an Emergency Evacuation Kit

How to Create an Emergency Evacuation Kit...Just in Case

By Mary Boone, posted on Zillow 

https://www.yahoo.com/makers/how-to-create-an-emergency-evacuation-kit-125368086550.html

From hurricanes to earthquakes and wildfires, natural disasters can be frightening. While these emergencies come in many forms and may require anything from a brief absence to permanent evacuation, there’s one thing you can do to ensure your safety — prepare.

If you’re forced to leave your home, you may have less than a minute to get out. Having an emergency evacuation kit packed and ready to go could mean the difference between your well being and hardship.

“You can’t control disasters, but you can control how prepared you are for them,” said Rafael Lemaitre, director of public affairs for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “The outlook for the coming Atlantic hurricane season, for example, looks to be quieter than normal, but all it takes is one to affect you and your community. It only takes one disaster to change your entire life, so it makes sense to prepare.”

What you’ll need:

Beyond stocking up on nonperishable food, water, flashlights and clothing, you need to collect important documents to include in your evacuation kit. Your kit should include:

•Cash: In small bills. If the power is out, you won’t be able to make withdrawals from an ATM.
•Identification: Copies of your driver’s licenses, Social Security card, birth certificate and marriage records.
•Insurance: Copies of home, auto and health policy information.
•Banking: Savings and checking account numbers.
•First-aid kit: The American Red Cross recommends bandages in various sizes, gauze pads, adhesive cloth tape, antiseptic wipe packets, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone ointment, an oral thermometer, non-latex gloves, scissors, tweezers and aspirin.
•Medication: Keep at least a seven-day supply of essential medications in your evacuation kit and determine how often you should replace stored medication. Have extra copies of prescriptions or leave a copy of your prescriptions on hold with a national pharmacy chain or with a relative who lives some distance away.
•Legal: Copies of wills or power-of-attorney documents.
•Contact information: Doctors, family members, friends and work contacts, among others.
•Connectivity: An extra cellphone charger or portable charging unit for your phone. Solar and wind-up chargers are available, while others use small batteries.
•Navigation: A map of your city or region that includes street names and public transportation information. Disasters often force detours and changing traffic patterns; a map will help keep you from getting lost.

Pulling it all together

Use a large water-resistant backpack or duffel bag to hold your emergency kit. Look for bags with padded shoulder straps and waist straps to help distribute weight and make it easier to carry long distances. Experts suggest keeping documents inside a waterproof container in your evacuation backpack or duffel.

Store your emergency supplies in a safe place where you can grab them easily.

“Studies have proven that the more prepared people are, the less anxious they are and the more quickly they recover from disaster,” said FEMA’s Lemaitre. “It only takes a few minutes a couple times a year to make sure your family’s evacuation kit is up to date, but it’s an important investment to make for you, your family and your children.”

This Personal Rescue Backpack SkySaver Lets You Rappel Down Buildings

"If you live in high-rise apartments, this would be a great life saver. Information was found on nocamel.com."

This Personal Rescue Backpack SkySaver Lets You Rappel Down Buildings

By Roseanne Tabachnik, NoCamels August 20, 2015

With thousands of skyscrapers around the world, and many more under construction, the new generation of mega-buildings calls for effective firefighting and rescue methods to keep tenants safe and away from danger.

One innovative evacuation solution is now provided by Israeli startup SkySaver, whose brand new emergency backpack is designed to help residents escape from high-rises. This lifesaving kit comes equipped with a cable cord that, in case of an emergency, is attached to a pre-installed anchor located near a window. When fire breaks out, the emergency device is strapped on with buckles that wrap around the waist and between the legs. Then, the individual starts rappelling down the side of the building. Yep, just like Spiderman.

Since infernos pose great challenges to fire departments, requiring a high degree of organization to be successfully contained and extinguished, it’s important to rescue as many people as possible before and while the fire is put out. And that’s exactly when the SkySaver says it can come in.

Lessons learned from 9/11

The idea for the rescue device was conceived after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. The main purpose of the backpack was to create a device that is wearable and user-friendly, a so that people don’t have to depend on others to be saved; they can rescue themselves, according to the company.

“Our backpack is very compact, and a person could actually travel with it,” CEO Avner Farkash tells NoCamels.

Founded in 2012, the startup has already created three different models of the emergency pack, depending on the height of the building; cable lengths range from 25 meters to 80 meters, which means that at this point, SkySaver can serve residents of buildings of up to 20 floors.

The varying models weigh between 8 kilograms to 12 kilograms and can carry up to 136 kilograms. Depending on the length of the cord, the SkySaver is priced between $750 and $850.

And while the device is only intended for one-time use, Farkash notes the SkySaver is worth the investment. Alternative devices, such as the Rescue Reel and the Evacuator, are reportedly more expensive.

SkySaver’s R&D center in Jerusalem is now developing additional solutions with even longer cables in order to escape skyscraper fires. The three new products are expected to hit the market later this year, and will be priced similarly to the original SkySaver device. Additionally, the startup is in the process of creating a kit designed to help carry down toddlers, older children, and even pets to safety.

Residential Security

Residential security is a critical component of any personal security program. The following guidelines should be used in reviewing your residential security.

❑ All entrances, including service doors and gates, should have quality locks— preferably deadbolt. 

         Check your:

Front Door

Rear Door

Garage Door(s)

Service Door(s)

Patio Door

Sliding Glass Door

Gate Swimming Pool

Gate Guest House Door(s)

❑ Don’t leave keys “hidden” outside the home. Leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor or colleague.

❑ Keep doors locked even when you or family members are at home.

❑ Have window locks installed on all windows. Use them.

❑ Lock louvered windows—especially on the ground floor.

❑ Have locks installed on your fuse boxes and external power sources.

❑ If you have window grilles and bars, review fire safety. Don’t block bedroom windows with permanent grilles if the windows may be used for emergency egress.

❑ If you have burglar or intrusion alarms, check and use them.

❑ Keep at least one fire extinguisher on each floor, and be sure to keep one in the kitchen. Show family members and household help how to use them.

  ❑ Periodically check smoke detectors and replace batteries when necessary.

  ❑ Keep flashlights in several areas in the house. Check the batteries often, especially if you have children in your home. (They love to play with flashlights!)

  ❑ A family dog can be a deterrent to criminals. But remember, even the best watch-dog can be controlled by food or poison. Do not install separate “doggy doors” or entrances. They also can admit small intruders.

  ❑ Choose a location that offers the most security. The less remote, the safer your home will be, particularly in a neighbor-hood close to police and fire protection.

  ❑ Know your neighbors. Develop a rapport with them and offer to keep an eye on each other’s homes, especially during trips.

  ❑ If you observe any unusual activity, report it immediately to your local Law Enforcement.

❑ Establish safe family living patterns. If you understand the importance of your contribution to the family’s overall security, the entire household will be safer.

❑ While at home, you and your family should rehearse safety drills and be aware of procedures to escape danger and get help.

❑ Educate family members and domestic help in the proper way to answer the telephone at home.

❑ Vary daily routines; avoid predictable patterns.

❑ Know where all family members are at all times.

❑ Use these same guidelines while on leave or in travel status.

Establishing a Safe haven

Follow three basic steps in setting up a safe-haven in your home:

❑ Designate an internal room;

❑ Install a two-way communications system or telephone; and

❑ Furnish the safe haven with an emergency kit. It is highly unlikely you would spend more than a few hours in a safe haven; however, the sup-plies listed below are suggested for your maxi-mum safety. Your security officer can tell you more about how to select and secure your safe haven.

The following is a checklist of possible safe haven supplies:

Fire extinguisher

Fresh water

5-day supply of food

Candles, matches, flashlight

Extra batteries

Bedding

Toilet facilities

Sterno stove, fuel

Shortwave or other radio

Medical/first aid kit

Other items for your comfort and leisure—a change of clothing, books, games