Blogroll

Anker EverFrost 2 Electric Cooler Review: Outdoors and BBQ Ready

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:00

Like any outdoor enthusiast, I'm always looking for new gear to make adventures easier. I already own more coolers than I care to admit, but none as good as this one. After taking the Anker EverFrost 2 battery-powered cooler on several trips, I'm ditching my old ice chest for this modern cooler.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jon Stewart mocks Trump with a Severance joke

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:50

Now that Donald Trump is a few months into his second presidency, Jon Stewart wants to check in on his promise to bring "accountability back," sharing a clip of Trump repeating the classic statement, "The buck stops here."

As you can probably guess, what follows is a series of clips of the president denying knowledge of everything from the now infamous Signal group chat leak to the launch of TRUMP coin.

"'I don't know much about it, other than I launched it,'" repeats a stunned Stewart in the Daily Show video above. "Crypto coin, nuclear missiles. I don't know much about it, I just launch 'em. 'Hey, Mr. President, could you take this?' 'Yeah, what's it to do with?' 'Just launch it.' You start to wonder: Does the buck stop anywhere with this dude?"

What follows is an even longer monologue clip of Trump denying knowledge of pretty much anything he doesn't want to talk to a reporter about.

"So many things that Trump seemingly has no involvement in! Is it possible he's been severed?" asks Stewart, before bringing up a clip of Trump dancing. "Is that what all the choreography and merriment is about?"

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple Studio Display is still on sale for $100 off after Amazons Spring Sale

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:02

SAVE $100: As of April 1, the Apple Studio Display is on sale for $1,499.99 at Amazon. That's a 6% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Studio Display $1,499 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $100 Get Deal

If your work setup needs a refresh and you rock a MacBook, you'll love this Amazon Big Spring Sale deal that's still live on the Apple Studio Display. A fantastic monitor with endless pros in its corner, you can get it now for $100 off. Yep, as of April 1, this monitor is down to just $1,499.

The screen boasts a 27-inch 5K Retina display with 600 nits of brightness, P3 wide color, and support for a billion colors — so everything looks really high quality and vibrant. It’s got a 12MP Ultra Wide camera with Center Stage, meaning your video calls stay focused on you, even if you move around.

SEE ALSO: The Beats Studio Buds+ are still at their lowest-ever price after Amazon's Big Spring Sale

The three-mic system is seriously impressive, ensuring your voice comes through loud and clear, and the six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio delivers an immersive listening experience. Perfect for long calls or meetings or watching movies and TV.

Connectivity-wise, you get one Thunderbolt 3 port and three USB-C ports, plus 96W of power delivery to keep your MacBook charged. And for added comfort, there’s an optional stand that lets you adjust both tilt and height.

With the Amazon Spring Sale over, this deal won't last long.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Today's NYT Connections Hints and Answer for April 1st (#660)

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:00

Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.

Categories: IT General, Technology

2025 Moon Phase Calendar: What Is April 1st's Moon Phase?

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:00

If you're planning on observing the night sky, going for a night hike, or trying to snap a shot of the Moon, the phase is incredibly important. Here's everything you need to know about the current Lunar phase, as well as what you can expect in the near future.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Massive breach of Elon Musks X allegedly leaks over 200 million users email addresses

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:00

There's allegedly been a significant data breach at Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter.

Over the weekend, the cybersecurity team at SafetyDetectives discovered a post on the prominent hacking message board BreachForums from a poster named ThinkingOne. The post included a 34 GB .CSV file containing more than 201 million entries of data reportedly belonging to X users. This data includes plenty of metadata on each account, plus the email address connected to the account.

SafetyDetectives said they checked a sample of users included in the leak and found that the information was correct and that the emails listed were valid.

Where did the leak come from?

It's unclear exactly how the breach occurred. This particular leak affects more than 200 million users. However, roughly 2.8 billion X accounts are reportedly affected, potentially making this one of the largest social media data leaks of all time.

According to ThinkingOne, there was a massive data breach at Musk's X earlier this year, which saw data belonging to more than 2.8 billion X users leaked in a massive 400 GB file. In their post, ThinkingOne claims that there is “no sign that X or the general public is aware of the largest social media breach ever” and that they “tried contacting X via several methods with no response.”

This particular data breach did not disclose any sensitive information about X users. In fact, many of those accounts probably don't even belong to real users. Based on current estimates from analytics platforms like Statista, X likely has around 400 million global users. Billions of those leaked X accounts likely belonged to bots, spammers, or individuals who deactivated or deleted their own accounts.

However, the leak allegedly includes plenty of metadata belonging to real accounts. And that meta data contains information such as account creation dates, locations, current and former display names, tweet count, favorites count, and other similar details.

X data leak threat

On its own, this data may not seem like much of a threat to users. But ThinkingOne went ahead and cross-referenced this latest leak with data belonging to 209 million users from a 2023 X data breach. The older breach contained much less metadata from each account but did include the email address connected to each user, which is typically not made publicly available.

By doing this, ThinkingOne created a file on 201 million active users from the 2025 leak whose email addresses had previously been leaked.

With the email addresses and metadata combined, hackers could easily target X users with phishing emails, social engineering campaigns, and other scams.

X downplayed the first of the leaks mentioned in 2023 but has not yet confirmed or even acknowledged the alleged 2025 leak. Musk's social media platform X was just sold to Musk's own AI company, xAI, on Friday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The weather app that saves BBQs, outfits, and beach days

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: This week only, get a Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus lifetime subscription for $27.99 at the Mashable Shop with code TAKE30 at checkout (reg. $199.99).

Imagine you're setting up an outdoor movie night, projector humming, and snacks perfectly arranged. Just as you're about to hit play, you notice a dark cloud looming. Instead of packing up prematurely, you open a weather radar app — its future radar image reveals the storm will just miss you, meaning movie night can proceed without a hitch.

Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus goes beyond basic forecasts, essentially becoming your personal meteorologist. Unlike your phone’s default weather app, this app has future-generated radar images and a customizable map. Be prepared for anything this summer and beyond with $172 savings. Get Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch when you use the code TAKE30 at checkout.

Feel like a weather psychic 

With this app in your back pocket, planning activities no longer requires gambling with the weather. Hoping to spend the day at the beach? Check the day’s forecast for rain or possible storms.

Before you take a dip in the ocean, the ‘water surface temperature’ overlay tells you if the water's warm enough. And if you're concerned about sudden summer storms, the severe weather alerts are a lifesaver. You can set up real-time weather alerts for your favorite picnic spot, and the app will notify you when precipitation is approaching, preventing soggy sandwiches.

Planning a hike? Air quality index information helps you choose the best time to go, avoiding days with high pollution. 

For those planning summer road trips, the app's ‘road weather’ overlay is a game-changer. Imagine driving to a national park; this feature displays potential hazards like fog, heavy rain, or even wind conditions along your route in real-time. 

Get lifetime access to this storm tracking app for $27.99 with code TAKE30 at checkout (reg. $199.99). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Maple Media Weather Hi-Def Radar Storm Watch Plus: Lifetime Subscription $27.99 at the Mashable Shop
$199.99 Save $172 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Permanently remove note-taking from your to-do list with this AI-powered app

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: My Notes AI revolutionizes the way you take notes, and right now, a lifetime subscription to a Pro Plan is available for $39.99 (reg. $299). 

Kids these days don't know how good they've got it. Back in our day, we had to sharpen our pencils, pay attention, and take notes on everything the teacher said. Today, all you need is this app. 

My Notes AI totally changes the game of note-taking, offering unlimited transcriptions and summaries so you don't have to suffer from hand cramps. And right now, a Pro Plan lifetime subscription can be yours for just $39.99. 

Put AI to work for you

Whether it's a lecture, an important meeting, or a lively brainstorming session, My Notes AI is ready to transcribe it all. Let it capture live recordings, Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams meetings, or uploaded audio files, and then rest assured it won't miss a word. 

Once you've let My Notes AI take notes for you, you can turn those transcriptions into helpful summaries. Boil a professor's lecture down into a concise, useful summary, or turn a meeting into actionable items.

After My Notes AI has done all the work for you, you can easily export the transcriptions or summaries to share with fellow students or colleagues who might need them. 

My Notes AI comes equipped with a straightforward, intuitive interface that is ready to work on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. And you can keep your notes organized with their custom folders for topics, dates, or projects. 

Once you're familiar with everything that My Notes AI can do, you can also unlock premium features later — like advanced organization tools or instant AI-powered summaries. 

Knock one thing permanently off your to-do list with this lifetime subscription to My Notes AI, now $39.99 (reg. $299). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: With Bytes My Notes AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription - AI Note Transcriber & Summarizer $39.99
$299 Save $259.01 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Beef up your internet security for just $4 a device with this McAfee deal

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Secure your digital life for just $4 a device with this two-year subscription to McAfee Total Protection, now $19.99 (reg. $149). 

It's 2025, and it's time to start taking your digital security seriously. McAfee Total Protection lets you protect yourself in multiple ways, and right now, a two-year subscription that covers five devices is just $19.99 (reg. $149) — that's just $4 per device. 

Enjoy multiple layers of online protection for one low price

Online threats may not be top of mind, but just because you can't see them doesn't mean they're not there. Think of this McAfee Total Protection subscription as extra locks, security cameras, and an alarm system for your internet security, offering multiple layers of protection. 

You'll receive McAfee's famous and award-winning AI-powered antivirus, which detects and blocks viruses, malware, and ransomware, as well as its AI-powered text scam detector that checks your texts for fake links, phishing scams, and other fraudulent messages. 

Get a report card on your internet safety thanks to the McAfee Protection Score, a personalized rating that evaluates your cybersecurity system. It will let you know how you're doing and suggest improvements to beef up your security. 

Aside from these security features, you'll also get the chance to improve your internet privacy with a VPN. Identity monitoring and alerts are also included to ensure your private data isn't being exploited on the dark web. 

This deal is for a two-year subscription, but codes are stackable. You can purchase up to five codes to make your own 10-year subscription for five devices. 

Secure your internet safety for two years with this McAfee Total Protection subscription for five devices, now $130 off and just $19.99 at the Mashable Shop. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: McAfee McAfee Total Protection 5-Device: 2-Year Subscription $19.99
$149.99 Save $130 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Experience effortless AI-powered photo editing with no subscription fees required

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Enjoy beginner-friendly photo editing with AI-powered Adobe Photoshop Elements 2025, now just $99.99 for a three-year license.

Want to dabble with photo editing but aren't sure where to start? Adobe Photoshop Elements provides a simplified version of one of the industry's go-to editing apps with the bonus of AI-powered tools. 

Right now, you can start tapping into the magic of AI with this three-year license to Adobe Photoshop Elements 2025 for just $99.99. 

Fine-tune your photos with the help of AI

Whether you're picking up photography as a hobby or want to take the next step toward becoming a social media influencer, Adobe Photoshop Elements is an affordable and excellent starter tool for photo editing. 

AI makes editing photos more straightforward than ever. Want to make the beach look empty? Use AI-powered object removal. Did funky lighting ruin your photo? Take advantage of the color transformation feature that lets you change the color of any object easily. 

There are also features like an AI-controlled depth tool that lets you adjust the depth for maximum impact, seamless blending of multiple photos, and one-click motion effects that let you add movement in seconds. 

If you want to hone your photo editing craft, 59 step-by-step guided edits will help you improve your skills. 

Enjoy all this for three years for a one-time price — there's no need for an Adobe monthly subscription. 

Get a three-year subscription to the AI-powered Adobe Photoshop Elements 2025 for only $99.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Adobe Adobe Photoshop Elements 2025: 3-Year License $99.99
Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Take the first step toward a project management career with this $20 course

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Let The Project Manager Certification and Exam Prep for PMBOK® 7 course put you on a path to a project management career, now for only $19.99.

Considering making a career change? If you've got your eye on project management, you need to get familiar with the PMBOK® 7 (the Project Management Body of Knowledge) guidebook and start preparing for the PMP® (Project Management Professional) exam.

Lucky for you, The Project Manager Certification and Exam Prep for PMBOK® 7 online course is ready to get you up to speed, and it's on sale now for $19.99 (reg. $408). 

Your path to project management success starts here

The Project Manager Certification and Exam Prep for PMBOK® 7 is brought to you by LearnNowOnline, a trusted company providing online courses to individuals and massive corporations worldwide. And for a limited time, it's on sale at the Mashable Shop.

Take the first step toward your project management career with their comprehensive course. Led by Steve Caseley, a seasoned professor in the field, you'll get access to 21.5 hours of expert instruction to set you up for success on the PMP® certification. And it's geared toward everyone from beginners to those already established in project management. 

This course covers the latest PMBOK® 7 framework. If you're new to project management, PMBOK® 7 stands for the Project Management Body of Knowledge, and it's the latest version of the guide for managing projects effectively.

Get the information you need to pass the PMP® certification and thrive in project management. This course covers what the certification entails in five different parts — in-depth training on key principles, performance domains, models, methods, and exam strategies. 

Though this course can prepare you to take your PMP certification exam, it does not include an official certification.

Make a change and transition to the world of project management with help from The Project Manager Certification and Exam Prep for PMBOK® 7, now just $19.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: LearnNow The Project Manager Certification & Exam Prep for PMBOK® 7 $19.99
$408 Save $388.01 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Meet the creators who bait scammers for fun and profit

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:00

A call from someone pretending to be an IRS agent is, for most of us, just part of the furniture of modern digital life. We hang up, we block the number, we move on. But for Ashton Bingham, then an aspiring actor in LA, one such call in August 2016 was an opportunity to have some fun.

"I was getting a ton of them, and I just decided to film one as a Facebook video," Bingham says. "The call went on for an hour, and it was absolutely insane. Long story short, it went viral" when the scammer ended up blocking Bingham's number — and changed his life. Now Bingham and Art Kulik, a Russian immigrant and former Olympian who met Bingham prior to a Law and Order audition, have turned baiting scammers into their full-time job via Trilogy Media, a YouTube channel with more than 1.6 million subscribers.

But baiting scammers, it turns out, is an art form popular enough to sustain multiple entertainers with wildly different styles. In 2019, another LA resident — musician and voice actor Rosie Okumura — decided she'd chase down a scammer who bilked her mother out of $500 via a Windows pop-up window on her PC. Again, she recorded the call on an hour-plus Facebook video; again, it went viral, this time in large part because Okumura fooled the scammer by claiming she was Kim Kardashian.

SEE ALSO: Have you been impacted by a scam or security breach?

"After that, I got so many requests in my DMs [for more scam-baiting content]," Okumura says, "and the rest is history" — or rather, the rest is another popular YouTube channel, IRLRosie, which also has 1.6 million subscribers, plus a TikTok channel, with bite-size scambaiting clips and 1.2 million followers.

With online scams growing fast — the FTC says reported scams cost people in the U.S. more than $12.5 billion in 2024, which was a 25% increase on the 2023 figure — it shouldn't be a surprise that opposing them should be big business too. Indeed, this new form of entertainment is enough of a rising tide to lift all boats.

Instead of being competitors, Trilogy Media and IRLRosie are effectively colleagues who swap notes and sometimes tag-team the same scammers in the same video. Okumura still favors the simple home-based style, where the humor comes from her wasting scammers' time via voice acting. Bingham and Kulik, meanwhile, have charged off in the direction of internet vigilantism, reinvesting their YouTube revenue into filming elaborate in-person scammer traps in the U.S. and abroad.

"They get in pretty deep that way, whereas I do not feel safe," Okumura says. If she feels a particular scammer warrants that kind of attention, she'll pass on the details to Bingham and Kulik. Ironically, given the name of her channel, "It's Trilogy Media that does things more IRL [in real life]."

SEE ALSO: Get ready for these scams in 2025

Bingham and Kulik, meanwhile, say they've just sealed the deal for an unscripted TV show with an as-yet-unnamed channel — which, along with their paid channel Trilogy+, should help take the edge off the fact that some of their videos are de-monetized by YouTube for getting a little too real, such as mentioning names and locations of scammers.

"We're more vulgar, we're a little bit more edgy" than most scambaiters, Kulik says — but that's just their true personalities coming through. "The only way we know how to do this long term is to stay true to who we are."

Even these two channels are just the tip of an online iceberg of scambaiting. Here's a quick guide to the most popular luminaries in a growing landscape of YouTube creators devoted to tweaking scammers, in the order they began.

Jim Browning

YouTube subscribers: 4.4 million

Earliest video: 2014 (on YouTube)

Location: Northern Ireland

Most popular video: "Calling scammers by their real names" (2020), in which Browning tracks down the nefarious companies behind fake virus messages, has garnered more than 45 million views.

Biggest claim to fame: Working with the BBC investigative series Panorama in 2020 to bring down an Indian call center full of scammers.

Style: Browning (not his real name) is no LA entertainer. He's more of a behind-the-scenes figure who rarely shows his face, preferring to share his screen while tracking down scammers — essentially walking viewers through the steps needed to turn the tables.

Trilogy Media

YouTube subscribers: 1.6 million

Earliest video: 2016 (on Facebook)

Location: Los Angeles, worldwide

Most popular video: "Hunting a scammer with cops" (2022), seen 5.6 million times, in which Bingham and Kulik and the authorities arrive at the front door of a "refund scammer" carrying $40,000 in fake cash.

Biggest claim to fame: Winning the "collaboration award" at the 2022 Streamy awards for a video with Jim Browning and another popular YouTube creator, former NASA engineer Mark Rober. The video covered a "glitter bomb" delivered to the home of a scammer, who is later arrested.

Style: With more than 600 scam-baiting videos, most filmed on location, and 169 million YouTube views, and the most collaborations with other creators, Bingham and Kulik can claim to be the hardest-working duo in scambaiting.

IRLRosie

YouTube subscribers: 1.6 million

Earliest video: 2019 (on Facebook)

Location: Los Angeles

Most popular video: "Scamming the scammer in 5 voices!" (2019) has 13.3 million views. Okumura knows why: the final voice she uses is that of Britney Spears, in which she tells the scammer that she's hosting a revival of the MTV show Crank Yankers.

Biggest claim to fame: Probably the most frequently recognized scambaiter, Okumura receives thanks for her anti-scam activities everywhere she goes. "The best part is getting recognized at restaurants," she says. "They will comp my bill!"

Style: Friendly and fun; the payback part is simply wasting the scammers' time so they can't move on to someone more vulnerable. "I feel like teaching people how to avoid scams is better than helping someone who's lost a ton of money, or putting myself in a dangerous situation," Okumura says.

Scammer Payback

YouTube subscribers: 8.12 million

Earliest video: 2019 (on YouTube)

Location: U.S.

Most popular video: "Scammer begs for his deleted files as I drink his tears" (2020) with more than 24 million views.

Biggest claim to fame: The People's Call Center, a collaboration with the anonymous Scammer Payback team. The Call Center worked with AnyDesk, a software company that allows remote desktop access, to shut down more than 2,000 scammer-run accounts on the service.

Style: Also known as Pierogi, Scammer Payback is like a mix of Browning and Trilogy media; he mostly shares his screen, but appears superimposed above it. He likes to elicit "extreme scammer rage" from his targets.

Scambaiter

YouTube subscribers: 2.7 million

Earliest video: 2021

Location: India

Most popular video: "Showing a scammer his own webcam on my computer" (2021), with more than 34.5 million views.

Biggest claim to fame: Arguably the most popular scambaiting channel not based in the US or UK.

Style: Scambaiter is the pseudonym of an Indian engineer who focuses on the scam-based "call centers" on the rise in his country, sometimes by hijacking their webcams — and in one notable case, hacking into their PA system. There's no entertainment frills, no voice acting, just pure uncut tech-based scam baiting.

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 popular scams and the warning signs for each

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 11:00

Online scams aren’t just becoming more common, they’re changing in approach, and getting harder to spot. These days, there are scams all over the internet, and while some are relatively easy to spot, others are highly sophisticated – and you might not notice them until it’s too late.

That said, a bit of knowledge of online scams and how they work can go a long way. For the vast majority of online scams, there are telltale signs, and spotting them could save you from falling victim. Here are some of the most common online scams and the warning signs associated with them.

Phishing scams

Phishing scams are a common type of online fraud where scammers impersonate trusted companies, like banks or online retailers, in an effort to steal personal information like passwords or credit card details. These messages, often sent via email or text, are designed to convince you to click on a link to a web page where you’ll share sensitive data. For example, you might get an email that looks like it’s from your bank, warning of suspicious activity and prompting you to “verify” your account. Click the link, and you’ll be taken to a website that looks like your real bank’s website – but it’s not, and when you enter your password, you’re actually handing it over to scammers.

SEE ALSO: Online phishing scams and what to look out for

To spot phishing attempts, look for generic greetings like “Dear Customer,” suspicious sender addresses, and poor spelling or grammar. Be wary of urgent requests or threats that push you to act quickly. If something feels off, don’t click any links. Instead, visit the company’s official website directly to check your account. For example, if you get an email that looks like it’s from your bank, don’t click the link – navigate manually to your bank’s website to log in and find out if the email is the real deal.

Investment scams

Investment scams lure people in by promising guaranteed or unusually high returns with little to no risk. Scammers often pose as financial advisors or representatives of legitimate-sounding companies, pushing opportunities in areas like cryptocurrency, stocks, or forex trading. These schemes might show fake testimonials, flashy websites, or even forged documents to appear credible and pressure you into investing quickly.

SEE ALSO: Have you been impacted by a scam or security breach?

The warning signs include promises of “guaranteed” profits, pressure to act fast, or being asked to invest through unregulated platforms. Be cautious if someone you don’t know reaches out about an investment opportunity, especially if they only communicate online. Always research thoroughly and consult a trusted financial professional before sending any money. 

Job offer scams

Job offer scams target people by advertising high-paying, low-effort jobs or sending unsolicited offers that sound too good to be true. Scammers pose as recruiters or hiring managers from real or fake companies and quickly move to offer you a position without a formal interview. Often, these scams involve requests for personal information, upfront payments for training or equipment, or sending you a check and asking you to wire back part of the funds – only for the original check to be fake.

SEE ALSO: Get ready for these scams in 2025

To avoid falling victim to a job offer scam, watch for vague job descriptions, poor communication, or requests for money early in the hiring process. Be skeptical of offers that promise large sums of money for little or no work. A legitimate employer will never ask you to pay fees or share sensitive information like your Social Security number as part of the screening or interview process.

Tech support scams

Tech support scams trick people into believing their computer or device has a serious issue, like a virus or security breach. Scammers may use pop-up warnings, fake antivirus alerts, or even cold calls pretending to be from companies like Microsoft or Apple. The goal is to scare you into giving them remote access to your device or paying for unnecessary repairs and services.

Warning signs include unsolicited messages claiming your device is infected, requests to install remote access software, or demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate tech companies won’t call you out of the blue or pressure you to act immediately. If you’re unsure, close the pop-up or hang up and contact the company directly through official support channels – if you believe the scam might be impersonating a legitimate company.

Online marketplace scams

Online marketplace scams happen when buyers or sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay try to defraud others. Common tactics include sellers offering high-demand items at suspiciously low prices, or buyers sending fake payment confirmations and asking you to ship the item before funds are actually received. Some scammers even overpay with a fraudulent check and request a refund of the difference. And, sometimes these scams come in the form of cheap rental properties advertised on websites like Craigslist.

To avoid these scams, be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, buyers or sellers who refuse to meet in person, or anyone asking for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Always verify payment before shipping an item and stick to secure payment methods offered by the platform whenever possible.

Charity scams

Charity scams exploit people’s goodwill by posing as legitimate nonprofits, especially after natural disasters or during the holiday season. Scammers often create fake websites or send emails and phone calls asking for donations, sometimes using emotional stories to pressure quick contributions. These fraudulent charities often request untraceable payments like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

To spot a charity scam, be wary of urgent pleas for help, vague details about how donations will be used, or organizations you’ve never heard of. Legitimate charities are transparent, have clear contact information, and allow you to donate securely through their official website. 

Stay skeptical

The basic gist of avoiding online scams is that you should never trust someone you don’t know when they’re asking for money or personal information, especially if they contacted you rather than the other way around. There are so many more online scams than just those listed here. Pay close attention to website URLs and email addresses, and look for any that are close to the real deal, but not quite the same.

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apples AirPods Max now support lossless audio

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 09:58

That took a while, but it's finally real: Apple's AirPods Max over-the-ear headphones now support lossless audio.

Apple announced the upgrade in late March, and now the new firmware for the AirPods Max is out, adding support for lossless audio, as well as ultra-low latency audio, for AirPods Max.

The firmware that you want to get this upgrade is version 7E99, and you'll also need to update the device you're using as audio source (an iPhone, iPad, or Mac) to iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, or macOS Sequoia 15.4, respectively.

There's an important caveat here: The upgrade is only available for the USB-C version of AirPods Max. That's the latest version that came out last September; earlier versions with Apple's proprietary Lightning port aren't getting this upgrade.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

Once you get the upgrade, the AirPods Max will support lossless audio up to 24-bit, 48 kHz quality. You'll also get ultra-low latency audio, a feature that musicians will be able to utilise to record and mix music while using the AirPods Max. Gamers will also benefit from ultra-low latency audio, as there should be no discernible delay between the audio they hear in their AirPods Max and the actual gameplay on screen.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for April 1, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 09:16

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, April 1, 2025:

AcrossWITH 8-ACROSS, WHAT WAS LEFT ON WHILE MAKING THIS PUZZLE
  • The answer is Caps.

SAN DIEGO BASEBALL PLAYER
  • The answer is Padre.

PAIR OF CYMBALS ON A DRUM SET
  • The answer is HiHat.

MONOPOLY TOKEN RETIRED IN 2013
  • The answer is Iron.

SEE 1-ACROSS
  • The answer is Lock.

DownCAPITAL OF EGYPT
  • The answer is Cairo.

LIKE A TEMPORARY COMMITTEE
  • The answer is AdHoc.

BIT OF APRIL FOOLS' DAY FOOLERY
  • The answer is Prank.

READY-GO GO-BETWEEN
  • The answer is Set.

SINGER COLLINS
  • The answer is Phil.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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 yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 1, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 09:10

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 1 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 1 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: It's a sign!

The words are related to a time of year.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are related to signs showing this time of year.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Springtime.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 1
  • Buds

  • Springtime

  • Puddles

  • Robins

  • Blossoms

  • Showers

  • Pollen

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

IGN Live 2025 tickets are on sale now

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 08:55

IGN has announced that tickets for its annual convention IGN Live 2025 are now on sale. The two-day event will feature playable demos of upcoming video games, new announcements, panels, contests, stage shows, and giveaways. It won't just be games though, with IGN stating that IGN Live 2025 will be "a huge celebration of everything fans love from the world of games, movies, TV, comics, collectibles, and more."

Here's how you can grab your tickets to IGN Live 2025.

SEE ALSO: 'Doom: The Dark Ages' preview: I am a rhino with a gun Where and when is IGN Live 2025?

IGN Live 2025 will kick off on Saturday, June 7 at the Magic Box @ The Reef in downtown Los Angeles and run through the weekend.

Fortunately for those unable to be in Los Angeles this June, the event will also be livestreamed on IGN's website, YouTube channel, Twitch channel, and X account.

Where to buy tickets for IGN Live 2025

Tickets for IGN Live 2025 are on sale now via the event's official website.

Early bird pricing ends April 30, with single-day tickets available for $15 and VIP passes for the whole weekend at $30. After May 1, single-day tickets will cost $25 while VIP passes will be priced at $40.

VIP tickets will also include a gift bag "filled with tons of cool exclusives," valued at $40.

Who are the event partners for IGN Live 2025?

Not many details on what to expect at IGN Live 2025 have been released yet. However, IGN has announced partnerships with Netflix, 2K Sports, Lenovo, and Arcade1Up at IGN Live 2025, with more to be announced soon.

Last year featured appearances by the casts of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and The Legend of Vox Machina, as well as Xbox executive Phil Spencer.

Note: IGN is owned by Mashable's parent company Ziff Davis.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 1, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 08:55

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 1 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Written money

  • Green: Plus

  • Blue: Expressing emotion

  • Purple: Not left

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Currency symbols

  • Green: And/together with

  • Blue: Emoticon mouths

  • Purple: "Right"

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #660 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Currency symbols: $, £, ¥, €

  • And/together with: &, +, N, X

  • Emoticon mouths: (, ), O, P

  • Right: R, →, ∟, ✔️

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 1

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Seth Meyers mocks Elon Musks bid for sympathy over Teslas cratering stock

Mashable - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 08:49

Late Night host Seth Meyers has mocked Elon Musk for complaining about Minnesota governor Tim Walz finding joy in Tesla's cratering stock. Walz isn't the only one.

Tesla's CEO has seen stock for the electric car company plummet, with sales down across the globe as drivers boycott its vehicles — and that isn't even to mention the numerous recalls. Meanwhile, the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been aggressively dismantling the U.S. government, cutting jobs, services, and aid to countless people who need it. 

As such, Tesla's woes have inspired vindictive joy in many. Musk has of course taken objection to those revelling in schadenfreude, calling Walz a "creep" and "huge jerk" for celebrating Tesla's misfortune. Though as Meyers pointed out, you can't actively and joyfully cut federal jobs and benefits then expect people to weep when your multibillion dollar company isn't doing well.

"You're slashing nutritional aid, veteran's benefits, and social security, and you expect us to feel bad about a stock price?" quipped Meyers. "I can't believe this is what happened to the 'fuck your feelings' crowd. They went from 'cry more, libs' to 'stop making me cry, libs.'

"Also, 'Tim Walz is a jerk'? My man, when you run around with a chainsaw on stage, you're celebrating cutting jobs and benefits. To quote I believe it was William Shakespeare, 'the jerk store called and they're running out of you.'"

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Rebuild Credibility If You’ve Oversold Yourself

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Tue, 04/01/2025 - 06:01

Confidence is key at work—but overconfidence can backfire. If you’ve overstated your skills, talked yourself into a role you weren’t quite ready for, or self-promoted too aggressively, keeping up the charade will only make things worse in the long run, undermining trust, causing stress, damaging relationships, and costing you opportunities for growth. Here’s how to […]

257257
Categories: Management
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker