IT General

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is one of the greatest ideas ever conceived, and we all rely on and benefit from it every day of our lives. Whether you're using a FOSS app for your own benefit directly or using a service that's built on FOSS, it affects us all.

The Daily Show's Desi Lydic took aim at Donald Trump's treatment of female reporters, calling out the president's repeated misogynist insults on Wednesday night's show.

Trump has a long history of verbally attacking women journalists, but recently the president has made more than one recent headline with his offensive, childish, and degrading comments — despite the White House insisting "this has nothing to do with gender."

On The Daily Show, Lydic showed a montage of Trump's comments, before responding:

"Mr. Trump, just a quick follow up. What the f*** is your problem?"

"God, this guy is exhausting. It's like he won't stop until he gives every woman in the country resting Melania face. Can you just try being nice to a woman just once?"

Speaking of things the president has said...

Routers and modems can be unreliable. The best course of action is to replace any weak links in the network chain, but it’s also a good idea to have a backup plan for when things go pear-shaped.

Seth Meyers used his "A Closer Look" segment on Late Night to examine the current state of the U.S. economy, and it's not the A+++++ President Donald Trump awarded himself with.

"As I'm sure you guys know, the economy is awesome," said Meyers. "The other day, I went to the grocery store and bought some coffee, some bananas, some ground beef, and, long story short, I have to keep doing this show until 2038."

The late night host took a deep dive into historic levels of job loss and rising consumer prices for basic necessities for Americans, including the increase in energy prices.

"Costs on everything from food to electricity are soaring while employers are shedding jobs," said Meyers. "This is when a president needs to show empathy, demonstrate that he understands the plight of hard working Americans and oh no, as I'm saying this, I'm remembering who I'm talking about and realising there's no f***ing way he's going to do that."

Meyers threw to Trump's recent interview with POLITICO's Dasha Burns, in which the president awarded his economy an "A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus" grade.

"Now, of course, it won't surprise you to learn that Trump's assessment of the economy is very much at odds with how pretty much everyone else feels about it," said Meyers, and he's right. Americans are deeply concerned with the current state of the U.S. economy. According to a Fox News poll, 76 percent of voters view the economy negatively, with voters blaming Trump; the New York Times reports 38 percent of voters approve of how the president is handling the economy while 61 percent disapprove.

"So it's less of an A-plus-plus-plus-plus and more of an F-minus-minus-minus-minus-minus," said Meyers.

Wrapping up, Meyers concluded, "Trump is running up against the same problem Biden had. You can't convince people the economy is good when they can see the truth with their own eyes, every time they buy groceries or pay their heating bills."

I always make sure to add clear instructions to any shared Excel workbook so the next person knows exactly how to interact with my spreadsheets. For years, I relied on the built-in notes and comments tools. However, I found a secret method that is 100% cleaner and far more reliable.

'Tis the season to deck the halls, don our gay apparel, and argue with family about what actually qualifies as a Christmas movie. Who better to settle these debates than the cast of Oh. What. Fun., the now-streaming comedy about a family whose festive fumblings lead to a barrage of holiday hijinks.

Michelle Pfeiffer, Denis Leary, Chloë Grace Moretz, Felicity Jones, and Dominic Sessa play a family in the Michael Showalter-helmed film. But with Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, they played "Does It Ring Christmas?" — a game where, if a movie title rings true to Christmas to you, you ring a jingle bell.

Die Hard is just the tip of the iceberg. Mashable asked about a string of movies that internet users have proclaimed a "Christmas movie." We're talking Eyes Wide Shut, Gremlins, Trading Places, Lethal Weapon, and Batman Returns, which also famously stars Pfeiffer as an anti-heroine who has had enough.

The Oh. What. Fun. cast also weighed in on the holiday classics they gravitate toward each yuletide, giving answers like The Family Stone, It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Elf, and Bad Santa.

Yet asked what Christmas movie is best paired with Oh. What. Fun., there was one clear answer. Watch the video above to the end to find out!

Oh. What. Fun. is now streaming on Prime Video.

FREE IPHONE 17: T-Mobile is offering those who switch to their network, and with eligible trade-ins, a deal to get up to four free iPhone 17s and four lines on the Essentials unlimited plan for $25 per line (a total of $100 per month).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 at T-Mobile   Learn More

Planning to give the generous gift of a new iPhone this Christmas? Or maybe you deserve an upgrade? Either way, T-Mobile has you covered with a special festive deal that could see you walking away with a free iPhone 17. And you don't even need to trade anything in to qualify for this offer. We know that sounds wild, but there are obviously some hoops to jump through.

If you port your number and open a new line on T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan, you'll get the Apple iPhone 17 thrown in for free. That ends up saving you $830. That's a lot of cash that can be put to much better use of the holidays.

T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan costs $100 per month for one line. The monthly price is locked for five years, but does include some nice extras like Hulu, Netflix, unlimited mobile hotspot, full-flight texting, and WiFi with streaming. What's probably clear at this point is that you aren't really getting a "free" iPhone 17 with this promotion. But if you were already looking to move to a new premium plan, this deal significantly sweetens the pot.

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You will need to pay tax on the full price of the iPhone 17 up front, plus a one-time $35 device connection fee and your first monthly payment to access the service. Then the cost of the phone will be paid out via 24 monthly bill credits. You'll also need to enroll in AutoPay, transfer your number from an eligible carrier (find details here), and add the new line. We weren't lying when we said there are some hoops to jump through, but this is the iPhone 17 we're talking about. It's worth the hassle.

Score a free Apple iPhone 17 with T-Mobile's Experience Beyond plan ahead of the holidays.

Americans are deeply concerned with the current state of the U.S. economy. According to a recent Fox News poll, 76 percent of voters view the economy negatively, with voters blaming President Donald Trump; the New York Times reports 38 percent of voters approve of how Trump is handling the economy while 61 percent disapprove.

So if you've been struggling, frustrated, and worried about rising prices of late, the president has some "sound advice," as Stephen Colbert pointed out during his Late Show monologue on Wednesday night. During a Pennsylvania rally on Wednesday, Trump told Americans they should "give up certain products."

"You can give up pencils," the president said. "That's under the China policy, you know, every child can get 37 pencils, they only need one or two, you know, they don't need that many."

"How much does he think pencils cost?" asked Colbert on The Late Show. "Our fact-checkers checked, a pack of pencils is $4.36 on Amazon. So saving money on pencils may not be the stupidest thing he's ever said, but I'm gonna say it's number two."

Speaking of things the president has said...

TL;DR: Ben & Jerry's is launching Ice Cream Bars. More than 150 Scoop Shops are handing out free Cookie Dough bars on Dec. 17.

We're coming at you with a double dose of good news.

First, you should know that Ben & Jerry's is officially launching Ice Cream Bars. This exciting new product line features five delicious flavors arriving as soon as January 2026. We're getting Cookie Dough, Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Peanut Butter Pretzel, and Caramel Blondie in handy-on-the-go-bars. What a time to be alive.

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But that's not all. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Ben & Jerry's is hosting some huge giveaways. On Dec. 13, the Droppin' Bars event in Venice Beach provides an awesome opportunity for fans to get the very first free try of the Ice Cream Bars. Then on Dec. 17, over 150 participating Scoop Shops nationwide will be handing out free Cookie Dough bars (while supplies last).

Over 20,000 of these new bars are being given away in total. Get to your nearest location nice and early to avoid missing out.

Free ice cream simply cannot be ignored. Find participating locations and further info here.

MARKET VALUE: The Pokémon TCG Mega Kangaskhan ex Box is $24.97 at Walmart. That's $15 cheaper than Amazon's inflated price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Kangaskhan ex Box $24.97 at Walmart
$39.99 Save $15.02   Get Deal

Walmart is riding high when it comes to Pokémon TCG right now. Not only is the Unova Poster Collection below market value, but the Mega Kangaskhan ex Box is listed for $24.97 (market value) whilst stock last. It's a brilliant sign of things to come in my opinion, with stock readily available at the price it should be. Amazon needs to watch out, as TCGplayer is also on the case by consistently undercutting their inflated prices and I'm here for it.

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Mega Khangaskhan ex's Run Errand ability allows trainers to draw two draws per turn. It can't be stacked, but the card is a basic Pokémon so you can get this into play as soon as you draw it. There's also two Destined Rivals and two Mega Evolution booster packs included alongside a jumbo lenticular card of Mega Kangaskhan ex.

The best chase cards you can pull from Destined Rivals and Mega Evolution Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

I've said this a million times by now and I'll say it again — you'll likely save money by buying the Pokémon card you're chasing instead of buying and ripping endless booster packs. TCGplayer is a great way to get the proper prices and market value tracking in the U.S. It's owned by eBay and works off a similar model of sellers making up the market, which means the best prices and your supporting independant traders. They have publicly visable reviews and ratings, giving you some solid confidence when buying.

Here's the top five chase cards you can pull or buy right now from Destined Rivals and Mega Evolution:

Destined Rivals

1. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 231/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $427.58
   Market price: $441.49
   Most recent sale: $429.99

2. Cynthia's Garchomp ex - 232/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $176.01
   Market price: $228.72
   Most recent sale: $214.94

3. Ethan's Ho-Oh ex - 230/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $174.89
   Market price: $174.83
   Most recent sale: $173.90

4. Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 229/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $68.85
   Market price: $125.55
   Most recent sale: $129.99

5. Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 234/182
   Near Mint Holofoil: $70.01
   Market price: $69.77
   Most recent sale: $68.85

Mega Evolution

1. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $340
   Market price: $392.72
   Most recent sale: $350.49

2. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $284.97
   Market price: $307.92
   Most recent sale: $279.99

3. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $205.31
   Market price: $207.38
   Most recent sale: $150

4. Mega Lucario ex - 179/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $193.01
   Market price: $197.50
   Most recent sale: $195

5. Mega Venusaur ex - 177/132
   Near Mint Holofoil: $145.90
   Market price: $149.07
   Most recent sale: $149

Lily Allen possibly turning West End Girl into a West End play? MAKE IT SO.

The artist joined Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show to unpack writing the most talked-about album of the year, in which Allen airs more than dirty laundry on her tempestuous open relationship with Stranger Things star David Harbour.

When Fallon mentions the album's runaway success has lead to the potential development of a play in London, Allen doesn't give much away but says, "That's true."

"Are you involved with that?" asks the host.

"I might be," says Allen. "The ink is not dry, but I'm definitely having some conversations with people, it's very exciting."

The idea of turning West End Girl track "Pussy Palace" into a stage number is all I need to get through the day, to be honest, but remembering the lyrics to "West End Girl" and a certain someone's reaction to Allen's previous West End success might get me through the whole year.

Taylor Swift spoke to Stephen Colbert about how to deal with the end of an era on The Late Show on Thursday, with the host's beloved show set to end in May 2026 after its controversial cancellation.

Specifically, Colbert asked the artist, who wrapped up her two-year, $2 billion-grossing Eras Tour almost one year ago, for tips on how to deal with finishing something so monumental. In December, Swift is set to release a Disney+ docuseries and extended concert film of the Eras Tour.

"I need a little advice," said Colbert. "I've been hosting a late night show for 21 years. I've got six months left here, approximately. Any advice on what to do? Because you have to come down from a two-year tour like that. I'm sure there's a little bit of a transition to do. Any advice?"

"I mean, for this specific situation, no, but I can sort of see from afar, right?" replied Swift. "I think that I can speak for both of us to say that we're both very passionate, hyperactive people. I like the grind, yes. So it's like, let's not say workaholic, let's just say we're passionate, hyperactive people."

SEE ALSO: Taylor Swift's mystery novel idea for Stephen Colbert post-'Late Show' is wild

"We're workpportunists," said Colbert.

"We like it, right? And so I think that when I take time off, it's always just like, I can't slow down the fact that I need to get up and do a lot of things today, but I can change what those things are. I can figure out how to chill out, but I'm never going to be a chill person," said Swift.

"So you're going to chill out with intention and very hard," said the Late Show host.

"So what you could do is I became like, 'I'm bread girl now.' Or I'm like, 'Oh, you know, this isn't gonna cross stitch itself.' Do you know what I mean? Hobbies are kind of incredible," Swift said. "You love to do a million things to prepare for this, and you give everything to the people that watch your show and you can give that to your friends and family, your community."

"But my friends and family don't chant my name, Taylor."

Taylor Swift joined Stephen Colbert on The Late Show on Wednesday, and they not only talked about how to deal with the end of an era, they planned a mystery novel?

After asking the artist to list her five favourite Taylor Swift songs (a tough ask, but "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)" is in there), Colbert and Swift then speak about what the host will do after his show ends in May next year, after its controversial cancellation. According to Swift, Colbert will get into podcasting, TikTok, and being an influencer, then make a pivot into a career in literature.

"I feel like you're gonna write a really amazing mystery thriller, where there's like, a house and it's covered in ivy, right?" said Swift, referring to her requirements for a perfect read.

"Maybe off the coast of Maine?" responded Colbert, who begins madly writing down plot details Swift begins to spin.

"There's a mistress there, but actually, she's related to them. And so it's really bad, but it's an amazing book. But it's grim right?" says Swift. "And then somebody falls off a cliff. Oh no, it was a ghost! And then it turns out that they don't actually own the island, right? They don't actually own it because their father is actually his twin brother, and the father died in a mysterious drowning incident."

"Done," says Colbert. "If it sells, I'll give you half the royalties."

SAVE $250: As of Dec. 11, the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $949 at Amazon. That's a 21% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2025 13-Inch MacBook Air M4 $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal

The MacBook Air has seen some incredible discounts lately, and as we approach the end of the year, there's no signs of stopping. As of Dec. 11, the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 is still on sale at Amazon, this time bringing the price down to the lowest-ever price and giving you a $250 discount.

For just $949, you can take home the 512GB SSD storage option, but there's a catch: Only the sky blue model is at this record low price. If color doesn't matter too much to you, you'll be getting a great deal. However, if you have your heart set on a silver, midnight, or starlight colored option, you'll just need to pay $50 more and save $200.

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The M4 MacBook Air is a powerhouse of a computer (its 15-inch counterpart even made it onto our list of the best laptops of 2025). The M4 chip is one of the main selling points, giving you fast, smooth performance, even when multitasking across several apps. It also benefits from Apple Intelligence to help with tasks like writing and creating. It also has a 12MP Center Stage camera, three microphones, and four speakers with Spatial Audio to provide clear video and audio for calls and content creation.

Connectivity ports include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging, a headphone jack, and more. And if you have an iPhone or other Apple product, enjoy seamless connection between the two, with features like iPhone Mirroring letting you view, control, and transfer content between Mac and iPhone.

This is the perfect deal to secure before Christmas. Get it from Amazon now.

SAVE $70: As of Dec. 11, the DJI Mic 3 is on sale for $259 at Amazon. That's a 21% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic 3 $259 at Amazon
$329 Save $70   Get Deal

The DJI Mic 3 is back on sale at Amazon and if you create content, this is the deal for you. As of Dec. 11, this wireless microphone is down to $259 from $329, a saving of $70. Not only that, but according to camelcamelcamel, this is the best-ever price for this model.

This DJI mic setup is perfect for filming on the go as it's small enough to fit in a pocket or bag. So, whether it's travel vlogs or street interviews, it's nifty enough to take with you. It even supports pairing with up to four transmitters plus syncing with seven additional receivers if you need a group setup.

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The Mic 3 also benefits from adaptive gain control to keep audio clear in all settings. Anything from quiet areas to louder environments with lots of background noise, you'll be covered. And don't worry about losing connection in busy places; the dual-band anti-interference helps you keep a clean signal in crowded locations, and the built-in 32-bit float recording gives you a safety backup so you don’t lose usable audio.

And for anything wireless, battery life is important. With this mic, you'll get up to 28 hours of total recording time when everything is charged, so you're set for a full day of filming. It even has a quick five-minute charge feature that provides an extra two hours of use.

Get this wireless mic deal from Amazon now.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025:

AcrossPainter's protective garment

• The answer is Nap.

"Toy Story 5" studio

• The answer is Pixar.

Your answer to "Where were you at 9 p.m. last night?," perhaps

• The answer is Alibi.

Tennis star Rafael

• The answer is Nadal.

Solemn sound from a church bell

• The answer is Knell.

DownDefeat soundly, in slang

• The answer is Spann

Italian city with a fashion week

• The answer is Milan.

Iron ___ (rust)

• The answer is Oxide.

Small group of conspirators

• The answer is Cabal.

Food for a baleen whale

• The answer is Krill.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

This was the year I said enough is enough with dirty lenses and screens. I carry lens wipes in my bag at all times, and I finally bought a screen cleaner safe to use on all my devices: laptops, tablets, and smartwatches. The screen cleaner I went for has the very catchy name of Whoosh, in a sense promising to wipe away all the dirt and grime that collects on screens.

Plus, based on our research, it really does seem to be the screen cleaner of choice at Apple stores. I gave it a try on my very dirty MacBook Pro screen, and for under $20, it'll make your device look fresh out of the box.

Opens in a new window Credit: Whoosh Whoosh Screen Cleaner $17.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $2 Includes 3.4 ounce bottle of cleaner, 0.30 ounce travel-sized cleaner, and two microfiber cloths. Get Deal Dirty screen be gone Before Whoosh... Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable After Whoosh! I can see my reflection again. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to show just how well Whoosh cleans is to bravely show my laptop pre-cleaning. It wasn't pretty, but with just a few wipes, my screen was clean and shiny. The Whoosh screen cleaner comes with two microfiber cloths, and it's gentle on screens.

To clean, just spray the Whoosh cleaner on the cloth and wipe the screen. Depending on how dirty your screen is, it may take a few passes — mine certainly did. The difference between my dirty and clean screen was astounding; gone were the fingerprints, and I could say hello to my reflection again.

It's a gentle cleanser that's ammonia- and alcohol-free. While its primary use is cleaning the screen, you can also use it on the keyboard, trackpad, and chassis — just make sure to spray it on the microfiber cloth, not directly on any of those components.

It's the screen cleaner of choice at Apple stores Whoosh's own evidence of its cleaner being used in Apple stores. Credit: Whoosh

Ever wonder how Apple stores manage to keep their screens clean despite all the folks coming through everyday? The answer is Whoosh, at least according to the brand itself. Whoosh proudly claims that it's "Apple’s cleaner of choice, trusted in all Apple stores worldwide." Since Apple itself doesn't confirm this, we did a little sleuthing ourselves.

As shown by The Shopping Expert on TikTok, Whoosh is in fact used in Apple stores. Plus, we confirmed with a current Apple Store employee that Whoosh is still used in stores in 2025. So if it's good enough for Apple, it's good enough for us.

An office essential and cheap stocking stuffer Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Whoosh is a staple product for me. No longer will I shirk away when showing something on my laptop, embarrassed by the smudges and fingerprints. This screen cleaner is gentle, effective, and totally affordable. It's under $20 on Amazon, and for $19.99, it includes a 3.4-ounce bottle of cleaner, a 0.30-ounce travel-sized cleaner, and two microfiber cloths. Not to mention it's often on sale for even less.

And while we think everyone should get this for themselves, it's also a smart and affordable stocking stuffer. With the holidays coming up, this is a boring but extremely practical tool for anyone who uses a laptop, phone, or tablet. Sure, it might be a little bit of a callout, but once the recipient has sparkling clean screens, they won't mind.

Opens in a new window Credit: Whoosh Whoosh Screen Cleaner $17.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $2 Includes 3.4 ounce bottle of cleaner, 0.30 ounce travel-sized cleaner, and two microfiber cloths. Shop Now

UNDER MSRP: As of Dec. 11, the Pokémon TCG Unova Poster Collection is bundled with Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch at Walmart, knocking it below market value for a total of $74.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Unova Poster Collection + 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' $74.97 at Walmart
$81.93 Save $6.96   Get Deal

The Nintendo Switch 1 version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A retails for $59.99. The Unova Poster Collection has a list price of $18.99. Combined that adds up to $78.98. That means this is the first deal in months that sees Pokémon TCG going under market value by $4.01, which is a ridiculously good deal and hopefully a sign of the tide turning in this volatile market.

Pokémon TCG has been struggling to meet demand since the back end of 2024 for many reasons. The Pokémon Company has been struggling to print enough cards in the west and scalpers have been buying up any available stock to sell on at a premium. This in turn has artificially inflated the market, causing single card prices to reach record highs.

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The interesting thing here is that single card values have been crashing across the board recently. Is it because stock levels are better or because people are simple exiting the hobby? Only time will tell, but I'd like to think it's the former.

The most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: The Pokémon Company

Speaking of single cards, when I say the market has been spiraling, I mean it.

Let's take the most valuable chase card from Black Bolt and White Flare, and something you could pull in the poster collection, Victini - 172/086. Back in August it was putting out prices of $450, but today you can pick it up for $390. That's a $60 drop in just shy of four months. In all honesty, it's usually cheaper to just catch the single cards you want instead of buying and ripping open hundreds of booster packs to pull them.

Here's the top chase cards right now from Black Bolt and White Flare alongside up-to-date market values and links to catch your own on TCGplayer:

1. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $390
   Market price: $410.43
   Value at launch: $395

2. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $346.01
   Market price: $362.76
   Value at launch: $360

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $387
   Market price: $424.98
   Value at launch: $427.27

4. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $373.53
   Market price: $427.26
   Value at launch: $411.64

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $210
   Market price: $216.12
   Value at launch: $211.99

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $175
   Market price: $179.81
   Value at launch: $177.90

If you're concerned about scams in 2025, start by monitoring your texts. Many of the most common internet scams of the year start with a text message.

Of course, scams are everywhere because the internet has made it so easy for bad actors to do bad things. But, quite notably, the year in scams has largely been defined by text-based scams. You've likely heard about, or even received, these scams: The E-ZPass scam, the DMV scam, and the job offer scam, to name a few. And sadly, romance scams and malware trickery still abound.

To keep yourself and your loved ones safe online, here are the most common internet scams you need to be aware of in 2025.

The E-ZPass scam text

The E-ZPass scam texts — or scams involving other similar toll services — have seemingly been the most prevalent scam in 2025. We here at Mashable initially covered the story in January and updated with readers on the scammers' latest tactics and targets in May.

The TL;DR is that scammers send a text falsely claiming you have unpaid tolls, often creating a sense of urgency by threatening to suspend your license or enact some other severe punishment. Oftentimes, the text includes a link and, to be very clear: Do Not Click Any Links (or copy-paste a broken URL into another browser).

SEE ALSO: E-ZPass and toll scam texts are everywhere. What to do if you're targeted.

If you're curious about the scam texts, they typically looking something like the examples embedded below and are often sent from random phone numbers or email addresses.

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In general, it's best to not engage with scams at all. That means do not click links, do not respond to the text, or do not start a chat on some other messaging service. If you have any concerns about an outstanding toll bill, the Federal Trade Commission recommends contacting your local agency directly. It's worth noting that the tolling agencies will not send a bill via text and will not threaten to suspend your license. If you get a scam E-ZPass text, you should just delete it and report it as junk, which is an option for most phones.

DMV scams

Another common scam in 2025 is the DMV text scam. It's effectively a close cousin to the E-ZPass scams described above.

The text itself is a near copy-paste from the E-ZPass scam. DMV offices in states like California, Florida, and New York issued warnings that scammers would spam people with texts claiming to be from the DMV, falsely saying the driver had unpaid tickets and their driver's license was in jeopardy. These are fake and should be treated exactly the same as the E-ZPass tolls.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Coinbase scams

There are just so many text-based scams out there. A new one this year centered on Coinbase, the crypto platform. Typically speaking, the scammer reaches out with a phone number or link in an apparent attempt to get your financial information. Though the message often claims some transaction took place, that's fake: You can safely delete it and move on.

Very common scam to watch out for. #2fa #scam #coinbase #crypto

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— Angel (@angellozan.live) April 10, 2025 at 3:17 PM Job offer scams

A relatively recent scam that's become more popular involves fake job offers, often from the job site Indeed. With a difficult economy and job market, these Indeed scams are especially cruel, as they take advantage of people who may already be economically vulnerable.

As we covered at Mashable, the scammers send a text saying the receiver has been offered a job, often claiming to be an employer on Indeed or the company Indeed itself.

The offer is fake, of course. Instead, the bad actors often try to get folks to click a bad link or strike up a conversation on a platform like WhatsApp or Telegram. If you receive one of these texts, do not respond or converse with the scammers. Obviously, do not send any personal information. Indeed also recommends blocking the number and reporting the issue to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Inflation refund scams

Some New Yorkers did (or will) get tax refunds in response to inflation. But scammers took that fact and ran with it. Scammers sent texts claiming the receiver was due for a refund. New York's Department of Taxation and Finance warned that it was not contacting people via text, but rather sending the checks via mail.

"You do not need to provide us with additional information to receive a check. If you are contacted about the inflation refund check by someone supposedly from the Tax Department, report it," the department wrote in a statement.

Retailer and Facebook ad scams

While lots of scams this year relied on text messages, Facebook had its fair share of issues, too. The FTC had to issue a consumer warning, for instance, about fake Joann Fabric ads on platforms like Facebook and Pinterest that directed folks to fake websites promising amazing, going-out-of-business deals. Joann is going out of business, but all the sales, the FTC noted, were in person and not online. The scam seemed to be targeting shoppers who weren't experienced with common online pitfalls.

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Unfortunately, that's hardly the only sketchy ad that's appeared on Facebook this year. In fact, Reuters recently reported that Facebook makes up to $7 billion a year from "high risk" ads and outright scam advertisements.

Wrong number scams

The classic wrong number scams made a resurgence in 2025, thanks to artificial intelligence. AI has allowed scammers to more easily carry on conversations with people, earning their trust over time in order to steal from them. Sure, the scam might begin with a wrong number, but the idea is to make the person feel like they know you — then they find a way to take your money.

Wrote Mashable's Chance Townsend about stopping these scammers:

"The simplest and most effective way to protect yourself? Don’t respond. If a text pops up from 'Emily from the gym' or 'Daniel from the yacht club' and you have no idea who that is, ignore it. If the number’s from an unfamiliar area code or a region you’ve never set foot in — ignore it. That’s it. No need to engage, correct them, or play along. Just block the number and move on."

Fake IRS scams

As Mashable's Chase DiBenedetto covered in detail, scammers have increasingly fooled folks by posing as IRS agents chasing down taxes. Nearly one-quarter of Americans have been the victim, or know someone who was a victim, of a tax scam, according to a 2025 survey by McAfee.

How scammers carry out the scheme varies, but typically speaking they approach victims claiming they owe unpaid taxes. Before victims have the time to think it through, they pay up. It's important to know that the IRS conducts such business only through certified mail. So if you get a call or text about unpaid taxes, it is by definition a scam.

Black Friday scams

People love sales, and scammers know it. Amazon warned around Black Friday that bad actors were posing as the company in an attempt to steal its users' financial and personal information. The scam especially relied on sending browser notifications — so be careful what you click.

"Pig butchering" crypto and romance scams

Excuse the, well, graphic name, but a common 2025 scam has been labeled "pig butchering." The idea is that scammers get close to people in order to "fatten them up" and take them for all they're worth. The Secret Service warned that these scams often prey on people by catfishing them into a romantic relationship, then taking their money via crypto schemes, which makes this a variation on a classic romance scam.

The Secret Service wrote: "Pig butchering scams involve fraudsters gaining the trust of victims, oftentimes via a fictitious romantic relationship, and duping them into making investments into fake cryptocurrency projects. These schemes typically begin with a victim meeting someone on an online dating website"

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Deepfake voice scams

As AI has improved, so have deepfake voice scams. That's when scammers reach out, often posing as someone you know, in an attempt to steal your financial or personal info. AI can clone someone's voice without much effort.

Mashable's Neal Broverman wrote about how to protect yourself from these scams but, in general, keep your social media private and question if someone urgently asks for money.

Tech support scams

We all struggle with tech at times — it can feel so frustrating when something you need to work just won't. Or we fret over losing access to our devices, or that people might steal our money over the internet. Scammers are preying on that fact. They've begun posing as some kind of tech or security support in order to convince people — often elderly folks with savings — to give up their money.

These scams come in a number of forms. The FTC warned, for instance, that some scammers use aggressive pop-ups claiming to be security alerts from Microsoft, Apple, or Geek Squad. They claim users have an urgent problem that they can "fix" for a cost. In a variation of this scam, people will receive an email notification that their Geek Squad account is about to renew for an exorbitant price. When users call "Geek Squad" to cancel, the scammers steal their financial information.

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Other cases have shown elderly folks being told to deposit money into crypto accounts to "fix" an urgent computer issue. A woman in Michigan, for instance, was conned out of $30,000 by bad actors pretending to be an internet security company. Police in Texas prevented another scam in progress where a woman was all set to fork over $20,000 after a scammer contacted her about a "virus" on her computer. These scams, like many others, rely on urgency and pressuring people to act quickly. It's important to always take time to assess the situation and be especially wary of any payments that require using crypto or gift cards.

Clearly, 2025 has already been littered with scams. As we approach a new year on the internet, stay vigilant and watch out for these common internet scams.

Have a story to share about a scam or security breach that impacted you? Tell us about it. Email submissions@mashable.com with the subject line "Safety Net" or use this form. Someone from Mashable will get in touch.

TL;DR: Live stream Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers for free on 7Plus. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Week 15 of the NFL season promises to be a big one for both the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a crucial NFC South game.

Both teams are coming off losses, with the Falcons falling to the Seattle Seahawks and the Buccaneers taking a loss against the New Orleans Saints. In fact, Atlanta have lost seven in eight while Tampa Bay have lost five in seven. Both franchises will be looking to turn their fortunes around when Thursday Night Football kicks off.

Tampa Bay have had the better season, currently at 7-6 vs. Atlanta’s 4-9, and could go top of NFC South if they score a win on home turf and the Panthers lose to the Saints on Sunday. And if all that NFL action isn’t enough to satisfy your passion for football, it’s bowl season for college football, so there are stacks of other fixtures you can watch.

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If you want to watch Falcons vs. Buccaneers in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

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Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes place at 8.15 p.m. ET on Dec. 11. This fixture will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida.

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