Spotting Fake Facebook Profiles

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

Detecting Manipulated Photos

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

Apple NameDrop

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

Manipulated Amazon Reviews

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

Facebook Copypasta

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

Will I Have to Pay for Facebook?

I get this question occasionally: Will I Have to Pay for Facebook? No. Facebook is going to remain free for all to use. Facebook’s Help Center clearly states this. If you read somewhere that Facebook is going to begin charging everyone for access, that’s just an old hoax that gets passed around every few years. … Read more

Don’t Post Facebook Privacy Notices

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

Defending Against Misinformation

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