Sadly, remote job scams are everywhere. The worst thing you can do is search for “make money online.” I have your back. Tap or click for a list of legitimate online jobs that might fit your skills. During this time of year, look for ways to save hard-earned dollars, too. Tap or click for eight proven ways to lower your internet, cable, and streaming bills. Then turn off personalized ads in a few clicks: It feels like the tracking never ends … because it doesn’t. Tap or click here for five ways you’re being tracked right now that you can stop.
2. Don’t let Alexa spoil the surprise
If you have an Echo device, Alexa can automatically give you delivery updates for items you order. This convenience could be a big problem during the holidays. Alexa loudly announces the delivery, ruining the surprise. Now, your gift recipient knows what to expect. To keep the element of surprise for your gift orders, follow these steps to disable the feature in the Alexa app: Alexa is helpful, but she’s nosey, too. Tap or click for five Echo security settings to check now, including how to turn the mic off quickly.
3. Make your lists private
These lists are private by default now, but you may have set one to public years ago without realizing it. If so, anyone in the world could find your wish list by searching your name. If you have a common name, it’s tougher to sniff you out. But if strangers find out where you live, they may deduce and identify your profile.
Click on the Accounts & Lists drop-down box next to the search bar, then select Wish List.Click the three dots next to Send list to others on the top right, then select Manage List.Here, you can change your list details. This includes your list name, the name of the recipient, email, birthday, and privacy.To change the list’s privacy settings from Public, click on and select Private on the drop-down box.
4. Remove your public profile
It doesn’t include your purchases or browsing history, but it’s still very informative. If you want to control what activity is visible on your public profile, follow these steps: If you want a quick look at what information you’re sharing publicly, click View your profile as a visitor. If your profile shows your real name or other information you don’t want, go back to the profile settings page and click the Edit profile tab. It’s located right next to the Edit privacy settings tab. You can edit or delete any information like your bio, occupation, and location. You can even change the “public name” on your profile and post reviews anonymously. Like what you’re reading? I put out a twice-weekly tech newsletter you might like. See a sample and sign up now. It’s free!
5. Protect yourself from accidental purchases
When I’m in gift-buying mode, I don’t think as much about every package that shows up at my door. I might just grab it and tuck it away in a closet for wrapping up later. How annoying would it be to open a box a few weeks later and realize it’s something you never meant to order? Voice ordering through an Echo speaker sounds convenient, but it’s probably something you only run into by accident for most people. Disable voice purchasing by following these steps:
Open your Alexa app.Tap the three bars in the lower right corner and select Settings > Account Settings.Tap Voice Purchasing > Purchase controls. Here, you can enable a 4-digital code, allow anyone to make purchases or disable voice purchasing altogether.
If you set up the 4-digital Voice Code, it must be spoken out to complete a purchase on your Alexa-enabled device. Of course, anyone can listen in and reuse your code. A voice-purchasing PIN adds a bit of security, but it’s hardly foolproof. Bonus Tip: Cyberstalking: How to fight back against online abuse Online harassment victimizes 40% of Americans. Cyberstalking can happen to anyone — and it can damage every aspect of your life, from your friendships to your future career. In this episode, learn how stalking happens and create a defense strategy you can use to protect yourself from online abuse. Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Explains” on Apple, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player. Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.
