5 common tricks scammers use

5 common tricks scammers use
Each day newsfeeds and channels carry reports about people getting scammed in some way or the other. The FTC received more than 2.8 million fraud reports in 2021, amounting to losses of more than $5.8 million. More often than not, those who think they won’t fall for scams are usually the victims. So if you want to protect yourself from scammers, here are five common tricks to recognize: Free trials This trick includes offers of free one-month trials of products or services, such as teeth whiteners and streaming platforms. All the scammers ask you to pay is a small amount when in reality, they hide the fine print that obligates users to pay a monthly fee. Further, canceling these subscriptions may also be an expensive process. So before signing up for such trials, ensure that you read the fine print and do not fall for testimonials on the site. A reputable company will usually let you cancel, get out of a contract, and negotiate a refund. Influencer giveaways Tons of influencers on video streaming platforms carefully curate content for their subscribers. Occasionally, they may even plan giveaways. But hundreds of scammers create similar profiles and add links to comments announcing free giveaways for the winners of a lucky draw.

Avoid these 4 mistakes to prevent financial fraud

Avoid these 4 mistakes to prevent financial fraud
In recent years, there has been a rise in online financial fraud incidents. Scammers and fraudsters use fake websites, emails, text messages, and phone calls to steal people’s personal data, including bank accounts and social security numbers. They employ various methods to deceive individuals into giving away their valuable private information, all with the intention of stealing their hard-earned money. To prevent financial fraud, here are some mistakes you should avoid. Don’t fall for claims that say you have won a prize One common method scammers use to obtain private information is by posing as representatives of popular brands or organizations. They may claim that you have won a lottery or that someone entered you into sweepstakes and you have won a large sum of money. But to receive this money, you will have to pay a fee. Under this pretext, they might steal your bank account information and siphon off all your savings. Do not fall for calls from scammers pretending to be from an organization you know Often fraudsters pretend to be representatives of the government. They use real names of federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration, Medicare, or the IRS. Some even make up names that sound official.

5 mistakes to avoid while remodeling homes

5 mistakes to avoid while remodeling homes
Homeowners opt for remodeling their home space for various reasons. They do it to change the existing furnishings or alter the existing space to create more room in the kitchen. While home renovation is a fun process, it can also be overwhelming. Furthermore, many homeowners make several mistakes that could worsen the look of the space once the renovation is complete. Here are five such remodeling mistakes that every homeowner must avoid. Purchasing cheap materials Many individuals purchase cheap materials when remodeling their homes to fit their budgets. However, when renovating a space, it is important to be strategic about what they choose to remove and replace with a less expensive alternative. Using inferior materials could result in these elements getting damaged faster and cost more to repair in the long run. If you intend to reduce costs, exclude items that do not impact the home’s overall design. You could always add these items at a later stage. For example, cabinets, hidden water bubblers, or high-end marble tile are some additions you could avoid. Going DIY for heavy alterations During remodeling, some homeowners take up a few projects themselves, such as hanging wallpaper, moving furniture, and painting walls. Doing so helps them avoid higher service costs that a professional would take to do the job.

Top 9 hotspots for flu germs

Top 9 hotspots for flu germs
As cold and flu are highly contagious, it is only natural to want to take preventative measures against these infections. While it is not possible to avoid being exposed to all infection-causing microorganisms, one can take a few steps to lower the risk of contracting diseases. One of them is to avoid traditional hotspots and surfaces where these germs tend to accumulate. So, here are the top traditional hotspots for flu one should know: 1. Hand dryers With every flush, the toilet sprays bacteria-filled droplets into the air, called a toilet plume. These tend to get recycled by standard hand dryers in public washrooms, spreading the bacteria far and wide. Although most suppliers today claim that these machines are fitted with special filters to blow clean air, it may be safer to use regular paper towels. 2. Elevators Elevators, especially their buttons, can become hotspots for flu. As they are rarely wiped down, they keep collecting dust, dirt, and germs, which may cause infections. To stay safe, one can sanitize their hands after pressing the button or use their elbows to select the floor. 3. Gas pumps Gas pumps come in contact with too many users and are exposed to outdoor elements like dust and wind.

Top 6 ways to get a free cell phone

Top 6 ways to get a free cell phone
Mobile phones have become indispensable tools today, helping one communicate, carry out professional tasks, and entertain themselves. However, the advances in mobile phone technology can make newer phones expensive. Nevertheless, there are some ways in which one can get a new mobile phone for free and stay connected to the world. From promotional offers to government programs, here are some of the best ways to find a mobile phone for free: 1. Carrier deals One of the best ways to get a new mobile phone for free is to look for deals offered by phone carriers. Network providers can offer a complimentary phone, provided one switches to that particular carrier. These deals typically do not require one to trade in their old device. However, certain terms and conditions may apply, including making a commitment to the carrier for a specified period. 2. Government programs To those facing financial constraints, the government extends support and offers free mobile phones through programs like Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Lifeline provides eligible individuals with free or discounted phones and service plans. Here, the eligibility criteria include income level at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines. Similarly, ACP extends free phones to those with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Top 6 island vacations on a budget

Top 6 island vacations on a budget
Warm sunshine, blue waters, and a relaxing ambiance — island vacations have always been the perfect getaway. Sure, holidaying on an island can be expensive, but a little planning and research can help one find an excellent package without breaking the bank. Individuals can benefit from several offers from hotels, air carriers, and cruises. Here are the top six island vacations on a budget for those thinking about their next getaway! Caye Caulker, Belize This tiny island must feature on every vacation goer’s checklist. Not many know about Caye Caulker yet, which means it is less crowded. One can enjoy the solitude and likely find affordable accommodations here. The island is accessible from the mainland of Belize and falls right in the heart of the second-largest barrier reef in the world. So, people can explore the vast undersea life through snorkeling and marine tours. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic The resort town of Punta Cana has white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise blue waters. One can stay at an all-inclusive resort here and enjoy the tropical weather. While the resorts may seem expensive, Punta Cana has several accommodation options for those on a budget. Want to have some fun during the island vacation?

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Volvo XC90 – Features to note before the Black Friday sale

Volvo XC90 – Features to note before the Black Friday sale

The Volvo XC90 is a midsize hybrid SUV that combines everyday practicality with a touch of refinement. This model has a premium feel, thanks to its updated exterior styling and a thoughtfully upgraded cabin. Additionally, the car comes equipped with all-wheel drive across all variants, and its powertrain lineup includes turbocharged engines and a plug-in hybrid option. Those interested in the Volvo XC90 should consider its features to make an informed decision during the Black Friday sale. Pricing The starting price for the 2025 XC90 is set at over $58,000. Going up the trim level means buyers can expect to spend up to $83,000. The lineup has different starting prices for each trim level, with the T8 Ultra Bright Theme, T8 Plus Bright Theme, and T8 Core Bright Theme as the highest-cost models. At the lower end of the lineup’s price spectrum are B5 Core Bright Theme, B5 Plus Bright Theme, and B6 Core Bright Theme. Fuel economy The Volvo XC90 comes with all-wheel drive as standard, regardless of the powertrain. The entry-level models have a 2L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 247 horsepower. The mid-level B6 variants deliver 295 horsepower. The higher T8 models are paired with a plug-in hybrid system, providing an electric range of up to 33 miles and a combined fuel economy of 58 mpg.
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5 Black Friday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season

5 Black Friday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season

5 Black Friday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season Black Friday is upon us once again. It’s the day we all try to save a little money, get the best deals, and spend our entire day in stores trying to find one last bargain before the end of November. But many people end up overspending. If a Black Friday bargain has ever ripped you off, these tips will hopefully prevent anyone from becoming a victim too! Spending more than you can afford The foremost thing to do when planning for Black Friday is to set a limit on what you can afford to spend. Anything beyond this should be considered an impulse buy and avoided at all costs. Once you’ve decided how much money you want to spend on Black Friday, it’s crucial to stick with that number and avoid impulse buying. It means avoiding debt and spending more than what’s in your bank account — even if it seems like there isn’t enough left over after paying bills or other expenses such as rent or utilities! Saving all your shopping for Black Friday If you have not allotted a lot of money, this holiday season can be overwhelming. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s easy to do something that will make things even more complicated:
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