As someone who works in technology, I often get asked questions like “Kim, was my computer hacked?” There are clear signs to look out for when your system is compromised.
But not every tech question is scary. For example, people often ask me, “Kim, how do I do things with my phone?” And I’m here to help.
I recently received a text from an unknown number that I thought I should recognize, but it wasn’t saved in my phone. Luckily, I have a clever trick for situations like this. In this article, I’ll share this and other useful tech tips.
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Anonymously identify the caller or text sender
Instead of answering the question “Who is this?” there are some hacks you can use. TikTokker Liz Perez shared a clever tip that went viral.
If you receive a call from an unknown number, mobile payment apps like Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, or PayPal can help you identify the caller.
Simply copy and paste the number into the app, and the secret sender’s name will be revealed.
This hack works if you have an account with one of these mobile payment apps, and if the sender uses their real name and number in the app. It’s not foolproof, but it’s better than not knowing at all.
Helpful Hint: Make sure you’ve set up your mobile payment app to sync your name and phone number with your contacts. The steps are different for each app. For example, in Venmo, go to “Favorites,” “Friendships and Behaviors,” and turn off “Communication with phones.”
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Find your car easily with Google Maps
Tired of wandering around the parking lot looking for your car? Google Maps can help you find a parking spot and remember where you parked.
Here’s how you can do it on iPhone or Android:
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Tap on the blue dot that shows your location.
- Select “Reserve a parking spot.”
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Google Maps will keep your parking location saved until you remove it. Now, you just need to remember where you put your keys!
Beware of simple internet scams
Have you come across a website promising a free vacation to Hawaii? Before you get excited, be cautious about giving away your personal information and credit card details.
You can perform a WHOIS search to find out who owns the website and if they have a legitimate business address and contact information.
- Go to a WHOIS page, such as who.is.
- Enter the website’s link in the search field. You’ll see the owner’s name, contact information, address, and phone number.
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Protect your phone number from being shared
It’s easy for your phone number to end up on marketing lists, whether you made a purchase or just a phone call. But you can prevent this from happening.
- You can use *67 to hide your landline or mobile number. Simply dial *67 followed by the number you’re calling, and the recipient will see “Private” or “Restricted.” The downside is that you have to dial it for every call.
- If you want your number to always be hidden, change a setting on your smartphone. On iPhone, go to “Favorites,” “Phone,” then “Show My Caller ID” and turn it off. On Android, the method is called “Hide Number.”
- You can also ask your service provider to hide your number or use a third-party app like Google Voice or Hushed. Follow the instructions provided to set them up.
And there you have it: tech life hacks that are worth sharing.
Stay updated with tech-savvy tips
If you love staying informed about the latest tech news and tips, check out my popular podcast, “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a 30-minute show that covers everything from tech news to listener questions. Search for it on your preferred podcast platform.
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