The Best Home Theater Systems

Maybe you’ve gone out and splurged on a high-end TV only to realize its internal speakers are dinky. Or maybe you’re more interested in building the man cave of your dreams. Regardless of your motivations, it’s not uncommon to dread the act of researching, buying, and installing a home theater system on your own. Truth is, though, it doesn’t need to be such a daunting task. With a little help on the research side (that’s us), you can get yourself an easy-to-install system with modern features (like Bluetooth) for a reasonable price. Below, we’ve chosen a few systems that are well-priced, produce high-quality audio, and are user-friendly enough for the everyday Joe or Joanne to install without breaking a sweat.

After reading this post why not checkout all the Home theaters we have to offer.

The Best Home Theater Systems

Rockville HTS56 5.1-Channel Home Theater System

Best Overall

Rockville HTS56 1000w 5.1 Channel Home Theater System/Bluetooth/USB+8" Subwoofer

Rock solid performance

This 5.1-channel system may not blow your mind, but it’ll blow other similarly priced competitors out of the water.

Touting two front speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer, this system provides everything you need to set up a surround-sound system at home. The best part? It costs less than a fancy dinner for two at that overpriced new haunt in town. Capable of doing battle with sound systems twice its price, when it comes to Rockville, we say buy a ticket on this train while there’s still room.

Pros:

  • Syncs with Bluetooth
  • Remote is intuitive and reliable

Cons:

  • Audiophiles: we know. This one’s not for you.
  • Speaker wires could be a bit longer

Polk Audio 5.1 Home Theater System

Best With Towers

Polk Audio 5.1 Channel Home Theater System with Powered Subwoofer |Two (2) T15 Bookshelf, One (1) T30 Center Channel, Two (2) T50 Tower Speakers, PSW10 Sub | Alexa + HEOS

Speakers that tower above most

Looking for a bundle with tower speakers? This is one of the best one’s money can buy.

Few names in the game are as well-respected as Polk. With nearly a half-century’s worth of success under their belt, the folks at Polk have demonstrated that they simply know what they’re doing. If you’re looking for a 5.1 system that can reproduce the whole frequency range accurately and do it at a more-than-reasonable price, here’s your pick.

Pros:

  • Crisp and dulcet high-end frequencies
  • The system is quite easy to install, even for those with minimal tech know-how. This makes it a great gift for parents and older folks
  • Heavy-duty construction ensures the system’s longevity

Cons:

  • If you have big pets at home, you’ll want to make sure the towers are secured so that your pets don’t knock them over

Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR Home Theater

Best Compact Size

Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR Home Theater Surround Sound Bar | Works with 4K & HD TVs | HDMI, Optical Cables, Wireless Subwoofer & Two Speakers Included Black

Raise the bar

Looking for a more streamlined setup? Keep it simple, silly.

With a wireless subwoofer, two wireless surround speakers, and a soundbar, this compact system offers a convenient surround-sound solution to those living in tight quarters. The patented Stereo Dimensional Array surround-sound technology creates a realistic soundstage in which each source seems sonically distinct. You don’t have to be an audiophile to know that when your system’s audio output sounds all blended together, that’s not a good thing, and this ensures that’s not the case. Oh, and on top of that, you can use your TV’s remote control with this one, rather than having to add another annoying remote to the collection.

Pros:

  • Works very well for dialogue
  • Installation is simple thanks to the plug-and-play configuration
  • Easy to switch between pre-set sound modes for sports, movies, TV, etc.
  • Built-in Chromecast integration
  • Night mode is handy for those living in shared spaces

Cons:

  • “Forgets” its precise EQ settings when it enters sleep mode, so you’ll have to manually readjust those settings back to how you had them

Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4

Best Premium

Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2.4 Channel 800W Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Dual 8” Subwoofers (Wireless) & 2 Rear Surround Speakers. Enjoy Plug and Play True 360° Premium Cinema Sound & Room-Shaking Bass

Dive in to the experience

Ready to splurge? Here’s what to aim for.

Looking to have the emperor over for movie night? Time to pull out the stops. If you want to transform your living room into a theater for real, this is where you should look. With growling dual subwoofers (wireless), a soundbar that puts other soundbars to shame, and two 2-way rear speakers capable of reminding you of what sonic bliss sounds like, this system easily brings the ambiance of the cinema into your cozy home. Sure, it’s a bit costly, but considering the marvelous build quality of the hardware, the near-universal compatibility, and the expandable configuration, this system is nothing to sneeze at.

Pros:

  • Excellent frequency response
  • The realistic sound stage makes music come to life
  • Dual subwoofers make the low-end a mighty force to be reckoned with
  • Great for those building an all-around entertainment lounge

Cons:

  • Yes, it’s a bit costly, but if you’re serious about high-quality sound, it’s worth every penny

Fluance SXHTB-BK Surround Sound System

Best Value

Fluance Elite High Definition Surround Sound Home Theater 5.0 Channel Speaker System Including Floorstanding Towers, Center Channel and Rear Surround Speakers - Black Ash (SXHTB-BK)

The price is right

So maybe you’re not flush with cash, but maybe you’re struggling to get by, either. If you’re somewhere in between, this system offers the perfect balance between cost and quality.

Talk to a purist in the realm of high-end audio, and they’ll tell you a sound system of this price isn’t worth looking twice at. That’d be a poor assumption to make, though, because this setup from Fluance punches above its weight and then some.

If you’re looking for twangling heights, the neodymium balanced silk dome tweeters have you covered. Want smooth, silky mids? No problem — the 6.5″ woofers on the floor-standing speakers can make that happen. Touting a center channel, 2 wall-mountable surround speakers, and 2 floor-standing tower speakers — all housed in rugged wood, by the way — this 5-channel system will deliver. Do you want to land a bargain? Here’s your chance.

Pros:

  • Incredible cost value
  • The sleek design can complement the decor of most homes
  • Ruggedly built, so you can expect these to last a long, long time

Cons:

  • Doesn’t include a subwoofer, so to bring the low end to life, you’ll need to purchase one separately

Frequently Asked Questions

What it does mean if a home theater system is “5.1”? What about “7.2”?

Take those two numbers and add them together. That’s how many channels your system has. Since 5 + 1 = 6, a 5.1 system has 6 channels. The “5” tells you how many standard speakers channels it has, and the “1” refers to the number of subwoofers it has. If you apply the same logic to a 7.2 system, you’d gather that it has 7 standard channels and 2 subwoofer channels.

Please note that this number doesn’t necessarily mean the system you’re buying comes with that many speakers included. Rather, the number might mean “this is how many speakers you could use with this system, although you’ll have to supply some of them on your own.” Be sure to read the product description to be sure of exactly what you’re getting.

What is a subwoofer, and do I need it?

A subwoofer is a type of speaker specially designed to reproduce sounds in the lower end of the frequency range. Standard woofers and tweeters are designed to reproduce mid-range and high-end frequencies well, but they fall short at delivering those rumbling bass tones that give depth to your soundstage. Though you don’t necessarily need one, a subwoofer will bring movies, video games, and music to life.

Do I need to buy a receiver?

Most speakers require a source of amplification. Speakers that don’t have their own built-in amplification are referred to as “passive” speakers. Typically, you’ll amplify passive speakers by buying a receiver, which has its own built-in amplifier. Unless your speakers are referred to as “active” speakers, then yes, you’ll need to amplify your speakers.


The publisher earns affiliate commissions from Amazon for qualifying purchases. The opinions expressed about the independently selected products mentioned in this content are those of the publisher, not Amazon.

What is an unlocked phone, and how do I know if my phone is unlocked?

If you’re shopping for a new smartphone, chances are you’ll stumble across the term “unlocked phone.” What is an unlocked phone exactly, and how do you know if it’s unlocked? Even more, do you even want an unlocked phone, and would it be safe to use? We answer all these burning questions inquiring minds want to know.

What is an unlocked phone?

What is an unlocked phone anyhow? In simple terms, an unlocked phone is a device that isn’t tied to one specific carrier. Typically, when you’re locked into a ball-and-chain monthly contract, the associated phone remains locked to that specific carrier’s network.

Why? Because wireless carriers sell phones at a discount. To recover financial losses from subsidizing, carriers lock customers into a multi-year contract while locking the phone to its network. This prevents customers from getting a discounted phone and jumping networks without paying their bill. It also prevents the sale of phones prior to paying them off.

That said, you can’t install SIM cards from competing networks and expect instant connectivity. Even if the phone has the hardware to support other networks and you’ve made all the payments, it usually remains carrier-locked until you make a formal request and meet specific conditions.

For instance, if you get the Samsung Galaxy S9 through AT&T, it remains tied to that network until you submit an unlock request. However, you can only submit this request if the device is paid off in full, you’ve completed your contract agreement, you’ve used the device for a specific number of days on the network, and so on.

Here are links to the unlock requirements for the four major carriers in North America:

Of the four, Verizon is the only carrier that doesn’t lock phones even if contracts and payment plans aren’t complete. This stems from an agreement Verizon made with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) when it acquired block C spectrum. Verizon’s unlock stance may eventually change, as the company seeks the FCC’s approval on a new policy that will lock devices for 60 days after purchase.

In addition to postpaid plans and phones, restrictions also apply to prepaid plans and associated devices purchased through wireless carriers. These phones do not have payment plans, but carriers still want time and financial investments before unlocking these devices. For example, T-Mobile requires an active account and one of two options: Use the device for a year on T-Mobile’s network or spend at least $100 in refills.

Unlocking versus jailbreaking

Sticker showing the IMEI numbers of a device - what does an unlocked phone mean

One of the big errors we see is the term “jailbreak” (or even rooting) incorrectly associated with unlocking phones. Jailbreaking specifically pertains to software, as you remove the phone’s media restrictions to install a different operating system or delete/hide unwanted pre-installed apps that can’t be removed. To that extent, you are “unlocking” the phone’s true potential or “unlocking” it from software-based restrictions, but it’s still not carrier unlocked.

Typically, phone locking starts on the SIM card level to accept a specific mobile network code. But the other half of that restriction stems from your phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity number (aka IMEI). This number is unique to each phone and used to identify all devices accessing terrestrial cellular networks, including smartwatches, laptops, modems, tablets, and more.

Moreover, all IMEI numbers have linked codes used to unlock a phone. Manufacturers store these codes in a database accessible by carriers and other third-party services. This prevents you from ripping the SIM card out of the Galaxy S9 you’re currently buying through AT&T and use it on T-Mobile’s network. The IMEI number is still tied to AT&T, thus the only way to unlock the phone is to make all the payments, send AT&T an unlock request, and get the unlock code.

According to a quick chat with T-Mobile, you can take this route or allow the carrier to pay up to $650 in device and termination fees. In turn, you must give T-Mobile the phone and purchase a new device through the company.

You can buy unlocked phones

Google Pixel 3 and iPhone XS in hand - what does unlocked phone mean

You can get a carrier-free phone from most retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and more. You’ll pay full price up front versus the typical payment plan through carrier contracts, thus the fancier the phone, the bigger the bite from your wallet.

For instance, you can get factory-unlocked versions of the Samsung Galaxy S8, the Sony Xperia XZ3, Apple’s iPhone 8 Plus, Google’s Pixel 3 XL, and even Samsung’s Galaxy Note 9. Want the unlocked version of Samsung’s Galaxy S10+ phone? You can get that as well starting at $999. Gamers can grab the unlocked Asus ROG Phone for $999.

But before you purchase an unlocked phone, you need to see if it’s compatible. Wireless networks in North America use two different standards: Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications used by AT&T, T-Mobile and a few prepaid carriers, and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) used by Verizon, Sprint, U.S. Cellular, and a few prepaid carriers. Most carriers outside the United States rely on GSM networks, as the founding GSM Association is an international organization originally established in 1987.

Due to these two separate standards, a phone built specifically for Verizon and Sprint may not have the bands needed to support AT&T and T-Mobile. The good news is that you can find phones that support both GSM and CDMA connectivity, but you’ll need to dig deeper into the phone’s hardware specifications before making an investment.

Here we run into step 2 of the compatibility roadblock. While AT&T and T-Mobile provide GSM-based cellular networks, they own and use different radio frequencies. T-Mobile openly provides its frequency list here while you can find the other three here along with many other carriers like FreedomPop, Google Fi, Straight Talk, U.S. Cellular, and more. You’ll need to verify that the supported frequencies of the phone match the target carrier frequencies.

“Even if your phone, tablet, or mobile Internet device is compatible with carriers, your device may not operate the same on a different mobile carrier’s network,” T-Mobile warns regarding device compatibility.

SIM vs eSIM

A closeup of the SIM card tray seen during a OnePlus 6 teardown.

Short for Subscriber Identification Module, the SIM card stores what your phone needs to access a specific network. This data includes your mobile subscriber identity number, encryption keys, contacts, SMS messages, and more. It’s a small, physical card that typically fits into a pull-out slot on the side of your phone. When you swap wireless carriers, you swap SIM cards as well.

Originally introduced in 1991, newer, smaller generations are typically released every six to eight years. What we have today is the nano-SIM card introduced in 2012 measuring just over a square centimeter. Some devices also use the new embedded SIM module (eSIM) mounted inside the device, eliminating the need for swappable, disposable cards that can be lost or damaged.

Due to the difference between SIM cards and eSIM modules, check to see if the unlocked smartphone you want to buy includes the latter eSIM module, and if it’s supported by your wireless carrier. Recent devices packing eSIM modules include Apple’s iPhone XSiPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, Apple’s new Watch Series 4, Samsung’s Gear S2 and S3 smartwatches, and more.

You’ll also find phones with two SIM card slots, allowing the device to access two separate networks. This is good for separating business and personal calls, as you’ll have two separate phone numbers. This duality also provides better coverage, as you could switch from one network to another after moving into a dead area. You can even use one SIM card locally and a separate card internationally, eliminating costly roaming fees.

Dual SIM phones are typically sold unlocked.

How can I tell if my phone unlocked?

If you’re currently making monthly device payments to a carrier other than Verizon, chances are the device is locked. If you paid off the device and submitted an unlock request, the first method of checking its status is to remove the current SIM card and install another card from a different network.

You can also check your phone’s unlock status using its IMEI number. Simply follow these instructions for Apple iOS and Google Android platforms:

  1. Dial *#06# to get your IMEI number in a pop-up window.
  2. Head to imei.info.
  3. Enter your IMEI number.
  4. Click on the Warranty & Carrier button. However, you’ll need to create a free account to use this specific service.

If you own an iPhone or cellular-capable iPad, there’s another way to check the unlock status:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Open Cellular.
  3. Open Cellular Data.
  4. Cellular Data Options should be present on an unlocked phone.

Again, if your qualified phone is locked to a specific carrier, you’ll need to send an unlock request. The required information includes the device IMEI number, your account number, the account owner’s social security number, phone number, and overseas deployment papers if needed.

The method of unlocking a phone using a code depends on the device. After requesting an unlock for an Android phone, customers receive a code from the carrier through a text message and an on-device pop-up window. The customer then shuts down the phone, removes the first carrier’s SIM card, installs the second carrier’s SIM card, powers on the device, and follows prompts to enter the unlock code.

Another route is to use a special app supplied by carriers. For example, Cricket Wireless provides the myCricket app with an “Unlock Device” option on the app’s sign-in screen. Once the app receives the required code, customers must reboot the phone to complete the unlock process.

For iPhones and iPads, Apple provides unlock instructions here.

In addition to carriers, third-party services can unlock your phone, but doing so could violate your contract. For Android phones, you pay a flat fee in return for an unlock code. These third-party services have access to databases managed by phone manufacturers that contain unlock codes tied to the device IMEI. But be careful: Some third-party services may not be legit and could run with your money.

Unlocked means freedom

Woman with a Smartphone in a Coffee shop

Pixabay

Hopefully you now have a better understanding of what “unlocked” means regarding phones, and how to tell if your current device is locked to a specific network. With an unlocked phone, you have the freedom to choose the best compatible wireless carrier. Even if you paid off the phone and completed contact obligations, the device is all yours and you should have the freedom to switch. Call your carrier today if you’ve met all the required obligations.

5 scams that are fooling even the smartest victims

By Kim Komando USA TODAY

Many people laugh at scams. We see an email from a mysterious stranger. The note is full of odd phrases and terrible misspellings. We instantly share it on social media. “The Prince of Nigeria wants to send me bars and bars of gold!” we write, along with laughing emoji. “Should I take it?” 

But not all scams are so easy to spot. Spammers get more sinister every day, and they use real-sounding email addresses, personal data, well-phrased letters, and actual corporate logos to lure their victims. The savviest con artists work remotely, coaxing money out of people they’ve never met in person. 

In this era of rampant data theft and cyber-crime, it’s more important than ever to be aware of swindlers’ stories because the effects can be felt for months or years. Most cons want to score fast money, but you’ll want to protect all your information from fraud, not just your credit numbers and bank accounts. 

Here are some common scams and ways to defend yourself against them. You’ll want to share this know-how with your family members and friends on social media. It’s so easy to be taken by the swindlers. 

1. Job scam 

Some people joke about being “between jobs,” but there’s nothing funny about unemployment. Looking for a new job is stressful, and as the weeks turn into months, you may jump at any opportunity, no matter how dubious or grim.

Scammers know this, and they prey on desperate people. They send emails with headings like, “Your Résumé” or “Work From Home Job.” At first, these sound like exciting opportunities. Can you really make $1,200 a week sitting on your couch? 

Employment scams are common, and you don’t have to be jobless to find their offers enticing. Many of their targets are the unemployed or underpaid eager for a change of pace. No matter what the location or time of year, scammers find a needy victim with bills to pay. 

This year, I’ve noticed a rise in two different types of job-related scams. These can look very convincing if you don’t know how to watch out for them. 

Mailed Check: In this scam, you apply for a job and get a response. Your potential employer mails you a check. It’ll be made out to you for $500 or so. Of course, that should be a red flag. Why would they pay you before you start working? 

Reputable companies won’t do that. But scammers will call you or email you to say the mailed check was their mistake. They ask you to wire the funds back to them. If you fall for it, their bad check won’t cover the funds so that the money will come out of your bank account. 

Upfront Fees: Some fake companies will require an “activation fee,” or even upfront costs for “training” and “materials.” If you’re dying for work, you might convince yourself that this is normal because you need to “spend money to make money.” Don’t rationalize. Legitimate employers should not require fees. 

2. Vacation scam 

Many Americans get morose about vacations. They don’t have much time off, travel is expensive and complicated, and they’ll only return to mountains of unfinished work, so why bother? 

So when you receive an email about an all-expenses-paid vacation package to Hawaii, you may do a double-take. Did you win some sweepstakes? Have you truly been randomly selected? Is this hotel handing out astonishing promotions? 

Yes, it’s possible to win a vacation, but if you don’t remember entering a contest, run an online check. If you’ve never heard of the company offering you round-trip flights and luxury resorts, be skeptical. In this case, scammers will initiate contact with you. They may call you, send you an email or post a vacation package on Facebook. Then they’ll ask for personal data, like a credit card number to “hold the reservation.” 

Never give this information away unless you know for a fact that the company is legitimate. In the meantime, vacations are healthy and life-affirming, but they are best handled on your own or through a respected travel agency. 

3. Concert and theater scams 

Similar to vacation scams, these scams start with someone contacting you, or you respond to an advertisement that you see posted online. The scammer says they’re selling tickets for a band you’ve been following for years or a hot show. They’ll excitedly tell you about the venue and the great value you’re getting. 

The tickets aren’t free, but they are theoretically discounted. Once they ask you to wire money or submit credit card information, you may not even know it’s a hoax. Tickets can be easy to reproduce with the right gear. You may not know you’ve been taken until you’re turned away at the event because the tickets were fake. 

4. Moving scam 

Late summer is one of the busiest times of year to move into a new home. Whether you’re a student switching apartments or a parent moving to a better school district, you’ll probably find yourself migrating on a sunny weekend in August. 

Fake moving companies may call you, or drop you an email, or leave a flyer on your doorstep. In the ugliest situations, the company will quote a number verbally, move you into your new home, and then demand far more money than you expected. There are some cases of “movers” packing all your worldly possessions into a truck and then driving off with it. 

Do not fall for this scam. Most moving companies will offer to come to your home to see how much furniture they’ll need to move. They will give you a written estimate. They are bonded and have insurance. You get the point. 

Here’s how to stay safe: Check BBB.org to see if the moving company is a reputable business. Then, have the movers come to your house before the move. Ask them for a final estimate before you pay. 

5. Owed money scam 

Everybody loves automatic payments because they save time writing checks or looking up charges. But as the years wear on, you may have forgotten to pay up. Cards expire, payments fail to go through, and we forget about them. We may even miscalculate our taxes, resulting in a bill and monthly fine. 

So when we receive a letter in the mail marked “Urgent: Payment Requested,” we often think we’ve done something wrong. Did you forget to pay a cable bill in 2007, and should you send a check for $72.89 now? The information is so specific, why should doubt the letter’s sender? The last thing you want is a collections agency on your tail, so why not just pay the fee and get it over with? 

In this case, you should make sure the collector is real. It is perfectly reasonable to receive a letter from a collections agency, especially if you’ve moved a lot or are forgetful about paperwork. But before you send any money, spend a few minutes to see whether this company is legit. 

Speaking of money, there is one legitimate way you may get money back that you totally forgot about. 

Bonus: No scam! Find your unclaimed money 

Right now, there’s an estimated $41.7 billion currently held in government unclaimed property programs, and some of that unclaimed money could be yours. Maybe you forgot to get that deposit back from the electric utility when you rented your first apartment. An insurance company may have issued you a refund on a policy but couldn’t find you. You might have been enrolled in a pension plan that was discontinued. 

In addition to utility refunds and insurance payments, unclaimed property includes abandoned savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed dividends or payroll checks, refunds, traveler’s checks, trust distributions, unredeemed money orders or gift certificates (in some states), annuities, certificates of deposit, customer overpayments, mineral royalty payments and contents of safe deposit boxes. Whew! 

4 Common Facebook Scams and How to Avoid Them

Added on August 16 by Admin written by Dave A. Schippers

Email used to be the delivery method for scams and malware. The good news is, many people are aware of the scams and digital dangers in the email arena. The bad news is many digital miscreants have recycled and updated their digital scams when they followed the masses to Facebook. Below, I’ve compiled some digital dangers commonly employed against us.

Common Facebook Scams

Fake Links/Click Jacking – Fake news, free giveaways, etc. can be delivery methods for malware. Just like email scams of the past, these leverage stories, news or offers that catch your attention. The point is to have you click on a link or share something that propagates malware. Examples include:

  • Direct Messages with links or attempts to get you to look at something.
  • Links resulting in another login request for Facebook/Email Provider – this is to harvest your account.
  • Surveys – Some surveys on Facebook are created to harvest information about users for identity theft/account hijacking/spear phishing (crafted attacks).

Fake Accounts – Fake Facebook accounts can fall into many different types of scams. Examples include:

  • Account Cloning – I’ve seen this approach grow in frequency in the last year. Indications of a cloned account are a second Facebook Friend Request – if you’re already connected on Facebook, you should not receive a second Facebook Friend Request. The old email trick – “I’m in jail in a foreign country, can you send money?” has migrated to Facebook with a different twist.  
  • Friend of Friend/Relative – Some fake accounts are created and operated to entice you to trust them. Within a short period of time, they promise money or ask for it. Many scams revolve around large sums of money if you provide a fee or personal data.
  • Romance – Another common scam are requests to “be friends” or “…get to know you”. I’ve seen many people fall for these accounts. They can be grouped into two primary categories:
    • For the Lulz – Some people create and operate fake accounts for their own personal needs or dysfunctions. They may not ask for money and simply crave attention. I’ve seen men pretend to be women and women pretend to be men in the digital world.  
    • For the Money – These scammers are versed in spending time to build up a dependency.  They may send you small amounts of money to build up their credibility. Eventually, it leads to needing money from you. Once this starts, they go for everything they can get.  Many of these scammers know how to pull your heart strings to get what they want.  

Your Employer – Sometimes it’s not about exploiting you, but who you work for. Cisco’s 2016 Annual Security Report listed malware delivered via Facebook scams as a top delivery method to compromise organizational networks. Great cybersecurity measures are easily compromised by enticing someone to click a link at work. Some employers block Facebook for these specific reasons.  

Protecting Yourself – There are some key steps to protect yourself:  

  • Setup Security – Many people think their accounts are secure and details hidden. Many people lockdown their posts, but leave photographs, check-ins, etc. open. These are all great data sources for scammers to use against you. Lock everything down and test the setup. Open only the functions that you need to.  (If you have security minded friends or family, ask them for help. Sometimes a second set of eyes spot missed settings.)
  • Real World Suspicion – If you wouldn’t do it in the physical world, don’t do it in the digital world. If you met someone on the street who said they lived in your neighborhood 20 years ago and ten minutes later asks for your Social Security Number to give you $2000, you’d be suspicious. You should use the same scrutiny and judgement, and more so, in the digital world. Just because someone says something is true, does not mean it is. It just means they said it. “Never assume anything is true until you verify it yourself.” If it sounds too good to be true, 99% of the time, it is not true.  Be cautious.

Admin Note:

Here are some other scams that are currently going on.

  1. You get an Email or Texted saying you won a Smart TV and just take a short survey and just pay $12.95 for shipping. Bingo they now your Credit card or Debit card information.
  2. You get an Email or Texted saying you won an Apple iPhone 12 or a Samsung Galaxy they claim there from Best Buy again take a short survey and pay $1 Bingo they now have your Credit card or Debit card information.
  3. You get a text message saying there’s a problem with shipping your package saying delivery failed insufficient postage. You say to your self I didn’t order anything. Every one who has bought from Amazon, eBay or Walmart on line that at checkout they collect all fees. So again Bingo they now have your Credit card or Debit card information.
  4. You just won $5,000,000 from PCH and boy do they put a slick presentation up looking just like PCH.COM. All they ask is for you pay for all of their Accountant Fees up front first. Bingo they just took your money and had a good time. Per PCH they never tell anyone in advance that they have WON or collect Account fees.
  5. You get a text message that your extended car warranty is about to expire. What you don’t have a extended car warranty in the first place. Bingo here they go again.
  6. I get Emails, all the time, saying that I have been accepted into this fantastic money making Affiliates Marketing program. Just watch this Video. Boy do they try to make such a fantastic presentation with falls testimonials, like I made $500 the very first day using this Website program I got. And you can get all this, today, for just $39 dollars. Well the fact is once you pay that initial fee then comes the BIG Whammy. Oh you mean you want me to sped hounder’s of dollars for your coaches, for you to get the SEO ratings at the top of Google Search? Yes I am a legitimate Affiliate of Amazon. As this website you are reading this post on is all hand built from the ground up. Yes it has taken hounder’s of hours of work and research to put all of this together. So the bottom line is there’s no such thing as a Magical cheap website. The truth is there is NO such thing as Easy Money.

My Closing thoughts

First be very suspect of these types of scams. Do your research first before you get bitten Do a Google search on what they are trying to get you to do. The internet has some very valid information on all of these scams. So sit down have a cup of Coffee or a glass of Whine maybe a Beer or two and don’t get silly faced on Whiskey before you jump on the Scam Wagon.

There’s an old saying ” there is a sucker is born each day.” So don’t fall for these Scams.

Like Porky the Pig says “That’s all Folks.” So we will see you in the next Cartoon coming soon in a Theater near by you. So stay tuned for the next episode.

Caveat Emptor.  Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase that can be roughly translated in English to “let the buyer beware.” In this case of Scams lets say it means “Let you beware of Scammers.”