I am frequently asked on Facebook, “How can you tell?“, when I call out a bogus poster. And there’s no short answer. There are many, many different tells. I’ll try to compile them all here, as a “Guide to Spotting Fake Facebook Profiles.” Major Giveaways Does their Facebook URL match their Display Name? A lot … Read more
Not sure if you’re looking at a legitimate picture on the internet? Altered images and deepfakes abound on the web, especially with the creative help of AI. Here are some tools that might help in detecting manipulated photos: AI Detection Tools AI-generated content may be easy for some to spot. Look closely and you may … Read more
If you use Apple devices, there’s a new feature in the latest OS updates called NameDrop. This function allows you to quickly and easily share contact info with other Apple device users. Simply place the two devices near each other, and NameDrop will appear! Each device user will get a pop-up, asking if they want … Read more
I need to explain to you about the Facebook Highlight Tag. It’s being used right now in a viral post, and you don’t need to be a part of it. Numerous posts right now are urging people to use the @Highlight tag in the comments or on their own posts, to find out who is … Read more
Amazon would have you believe that their reviews are authentic and reliable. But I want you to know they are far from perfect. Besides Brushing Scams, some Amazon sellers game the system by paying for positive reviews. And it works. Here’s how Amazon reviews are manipulated, with offers of Amazon Gift Cards. When a buyer … Read more
If you see this stuff on Facebook, don’t pay it any mind. And don’t copy and paste it to your feed or anywhere else. It’s just junk, it’s Facebook copypasta, and you don’t need to be part of this paperless chain letter. You can read more about this nonsense on Snopes. Below are a few … Read more
Don’t post “Facebook Privacy Notices”, as shown below. These things are like chain letters, in that they waste your time and spread misinformation. Unfortunately, these things have been passed around for over a decade and never seem to die: If you see anything like this on social media, don’t re-post it or Share it. It … Read more
Some info pertaining to the shortage of baby formula in the USA: Scams abound! If you find an online vendor for baby formula that seems too good to be true, it may be. When possible, buy your formula from respected, large companies and not sketchy eBay auctions or brand-new websites. Misinformation about buying from Amazon’s … Read more
You can call it misinformation, false news, alternative facts or misleading journalism. The internet is home to countless lies & fraudulent stories, promoted by real people and bot accounts, alike. It’s awful out there, folks. And it’s not just the news. Forwarded emails of photos and videos dupe people into believing inaccurate science. Ads and … Read more
The Trend Micro company has come out with a new tool that I want to recommend. Trend Micro Check is a free browser extension that you can install in Google Chrome (or Microsoft Edge) that will protect you as you surf the web. Specifically, Trend Micro Check blocks ads and trackers (like AdBlockPlus), warns you … Read more