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Fox News
24-07-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Amazon alerts customers about impersonation scams
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published July 24, 2025 Think twice before clicking that email from Amazon. The company has sent out emails to hundreds of millions of customers warning about phishing scams that are tricking people into giving up their login credentials. The fake messages look real, and they use scare tactics to get you to act fast. Here's how the scam works, how Amazon is responding, and what you can do to protect yourself. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Amazon phishing scam: What you need to know Amazon confirmed that fake emails are circulating. One of the scammers' tactics is falsely claiming that a customer's membership will soon renew at a higher-than-expected rate. These emails often include a "cancel subscription" link. When clicked, the link redirects users to a fake Amazon login page designed to harvest account credentials. Once entered, the scammers can access the user's actual Amazon account, make unauthorized purchases, or exploit the credentials on other platforms where the same login information is used. In some cases, the fake websites also prompt users to enter credit card details and personal information. This data is immediately captured and can be used or sold by the scammers. According to Amazon, these emails may appear convincing because they often contain real personal details obtained from earlier data leaks or breaches. How Amazon is fighting back against prime scam emails Amazon has taken steps to shut down tens of thousands of phishing websites and phone numbers linked to these scams. The company says it has adopted a secure email capability to make it easier for customers to identify authentic emails from Amazon. Cyberguy reached out to Amazon for comment, and a spokesperson clarified that the emails were sent to educate people about the impersonation scam tactics the company is increasingly seeing. "Amazon regularly educates our hundreds of millions of customers about scam prevention best practices to keep them safe from scams," a spokesperson noted. "Our team is diligently working to protect consumers from scammers, including actively sharing information on common scams to avoid and preventative measures every consumer should know." The company stressed that it never asks customers to share sensitive information over email. All legitimate communications regarding account status or membership renewals are directed through Amazon's secure Message Centre or official website. How to spot fake Amazon emails and protect your account 1) Ignore suspicious emails If you receive an unexpected message from Amazon, don't click any links. Go directly to Amazon's website or app to check your account status. 2) Never enter credentials on unfamiliar websites Always double-check the website address before logging in. Fake login pages often look convincing but have slight differences in the URL. 3) Enable two-factor authentication Turn on two-step verification for your Amazon account. This adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is compromised. 4) Use unique passwords Avoid using the same login credentials across multiple platforms. Use a secure password manager to generate and save strong passwords. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 at 5) Install strong antivirus software Use a strong antivirus program that can detect phishing attempts, block fake websites, and alert you to potential threats before you fall for them. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at 6) Remove your personal info from data broker sites Scammers often use personal details, like your name, phone number, or home address, to craft more convincing phishing emails. That information usually comes from data broker websites that collect and sell your data. A personal data removal service can help automatically scrub this information from dozens or even hundreds of these sites. Reducing your digital footprint makes it harder for scammers to target you in the first place. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: 7) Report something suspicious If you receive correspondence that you think may not be from Amazon, report it immediately. If you are a customer, you can use the Amazon self-service tool to report something suspicious in just a few quick steps. If you are not a customer, you can still report a suspicious message to us at reportascam@ These reports provide Amazon with the information it needs to identify bad actors and take action against them, enabling the company to stop scams before they occur. Kurt's key takeaway Impersonation scams are very common, and this isn't a problem unique to Amazon. You must be cautious with every email you receive, as it can be difficult to distinguish what's real from what's fake at first glance. Take a moment to review the contents carefully and watch out for anything suspicious, such as a wrong domain name, spelling mistakes, or unusual language Do you think scam messages are getting harder to spot, or are people just not paying attention? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Android feature prevents sensitive content in Google Messages
Have you ever stumbled upon a mysterious app in your Android system settings called "SafetyCore"? If so, you're not alone. Introduced in late 2024, this system service aims to enhance on-device privacy by detecting sensitive content like nudity and enabling features such as Sensitive Content Warnings in Google Messages. While Google assures users that SafetyCore operates locally without sharing data externally, it has still sparked confusion over automatic updates. Let's dive into what SafetyCore does, how it works and the steps you can take to disable it if you choose to do so. Stay protected & informed! Get security alerts & expert tech tips – sign up for Kurt's 'The CyberGuy Report' now. By definition, SafetyCore is a system service that provides on-device machine-learning infrastructure to help detect sensitive content. It was introduced as part of Google's Nov. 7, 2024, system update for Android 9 and later. Google initially described SafetyCore as a tool that supports privacy-preserving user protections for apps. One of its first visible uses was in Google Messages, where it enables Sensitive Content Warnings, a feature that blurs images potentially containing nudity and prompts users with additional options before they can view or send them. By default, Google System services automatically update your device with security, bug fixes and new features. Some updates are delivered via system services in separate Android packages. This maintains privacy, security and data isolation following the principle of least privilege because permissions are not shared with other functionality. Read On The Fox News App SafetyCore does more than detect nude images. Its built-in machine-learning functionality can also target, detect and filter images for sensitive content. There is no app icon, and it doesn't appear in the usual list of running applications. Users must navigate through Settings > Apps > Show system processes to find it. Best Antivirus For Androids - Cyberguy Picks 2025 Google maintains that SafetyCore is purely an on-device classification service and does not report or share scanned content with Google or other entities. The company argues that the service enhances security without compromising privacy, allowing apps to detect and filter unwanted content locally. We reached out to Google, and a spokesperson told Cyberguy, "Android provides many on-device protections that safeguard users against threats like malware, messaging spam and abuse protections, and phone scam protections, while preserving user privacy and keeping users in control of their data. "SafetyCore is a new Google system service for Android 9+ devices that provides the on-device infrastructure for securely and privately performing classification to help users detect unwanted content. Users are in control over SafetyCore, and SafetyCore only classifies specific content when an app requests it through an optionally enabled feature." Google also says that as part of its continuous investment in the transparency of its products, the company is going above and beyond, adding binary transparency to SafetyCore. This allows users and developers to verify that SafetyCore is truly privacy-preserving, just like Google says it is. Looking For More Ways To Lock Down Your Android? Here's How To Do It Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. (Note: We tested these steps on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.) If you wish to uninstall or disable SafetyCore on your Samsung Galaxy, follow the steps below: (Note: If you decide to disable or get rid of System SafetyCore, you may not be able to benefit from the new security and privacy features or enhancements that Google offers now or in the future.) Open the Settings app on your device Tap Apps Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find Android System SafetyCore Tap on Android System SafetyCore and check if the Uninstall option is available. If Uninstall is available, tap it to remove the service. If Uninstall is grayed out, you may only be able to Disable it If you wish to uninstall or disable SafetyCore on your Pixel device, follow the steps below: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. (Note: We tested these steps on a Pixel 9 Pro.) Open the Settings app on your device Tap Apps Select See all apps Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find Android System SafetyCore. Tap on Android System SafetyCore Check if the Uninstall option is available. If Uninstall is available, tap it to remove the service. If Uninstall is grayed out, you may only be able to disable it How To Cancel Subscriptions On An Android To Save Money If you're concerned about Google's data collection and want to keep your personal information safe, here are four steps you can take. 1) Limit app permissions: Regularly review and restrict app permissions, especially for access to your camera, microphone, storage or location. If an app doesn't need access, revoke it in your device settings. 2) Disable background data and tracking: Prevent unnecessary tracking by turning off background data for apps that don't require constant internet access. You can also disable location tracking and opt out of Google's personalized ads in your account settings. 3) Use a VPN for secure browsing: A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your internet traffic, preventing your ISP, Google or other entities from tracking your online activity. Privacy-focused VPNs are great options that do not log user data. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 4) Regularly clear personal data: Delete unnecessary stored data such as search history, location history and cached files. You can do this in your Google Account settings and within individual apps to minimize your digital footprint. SafetyCore is an interesting addition to Android, offering on-device content filtering with machine learning. While it aims to enhance privacy and security, some users might have questions about its presence and functionality. Whether you decide to keep it or explore disabling it, staying informed about your device's features is always a good idea. This way, you can make choices that best fit your needs and preferences for managing your Android device. Do you trust Google's claim that SafetyCore operates entirely on-device and does not share your data? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover. Follow Kurt on his social channels: Facebook YouTube Instagram Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: What is the best way to protect your Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android devices from getting hacked? What is the best way to stay private, secure and anonymous while browsing the web? How can I get rid of robocalls with apps and data removal services? How do I remove my private data from the internet? New from Kurt: Try CyberGuy's new games (crosswords, word searches, trivia and more!) CyberGuy's exclusive coupons and deals Copyright 2025 All rights article source: Android feature prevents sensitive content in Google Messages
Fox News
08-04-2025
- Fox News
Android feature prevents sensitive content in Google Messages
Have you ever stumbled upon a mysterious app in your Android system settings called "SafetyCore"? If so, you're not alone. Introduced in late 2024, this system service aims to enhance on-device privacy by detecting sensitive content like nudity and enabling features such as Sensitive Content Warnings in Google Messages. While Google assures users that SafetyCore operates locally without sharing data externally, it has still sparked confusion over automatic updates. Let's dive into what SafetyCore does, how it works and the steps you can take to disable it if you choose to do so. By definition, SafetyCore is a system service that provides on-device machine-learning infrastructure to help detect sensitive content. It was introduced as part of Google's Nov. 7, 2024, system update for Android 9 and later. Google initially described SafetyCore as a tool that supports privacy-preserving user protections for apps. One of its first visible uses was in Google Messages, where it enables Sensitive Content Warnings, a feature that blurs images potentially containing nudity and prompts users with additional options before they can view or send them. By default, Google System services automatically update your device with security, bug fixes and new features. Some updates are delivered via system services in separate Android packages. This maintains privacy, security and data isolation following the principle of least privilege because permissions are not shared with other functionality. SafetyCore does more than detect nude images. Its built-in machine-learning functionality can also target, detect and filter images for sensitive content. There is no app icon, and it doesn't appear in the usual list of running applications. Users must navigate through Settings > Apps > Show system processes to find it. Google maintains that SafetyCore is purely an on-device classification service and does not report or share scanned content with Google or other entities. The company argues that the service enhances security without compromising privacy, allowing apps to detect and filter unwanted content locally. We reached out to Google, and a spokesperson told Cyberguy, "Android provides many on-device protections that safeguard users against threats like malware, messaging spam and abuse protections, and phone scam protections, while preserving user privacy and keeping users in control of their data. "SafetyCore is a new Google system service for Android 9+ devices that provides the on-device infrastructure for securely and privately performing classification to help users detect unwanted content. Users are in control over SafetyCore, and SafetyCore only classifies specific content when an app requests it through an optionally enabled feature." Google also says that as part of its continuous investment in the transparency of its products, the company is going above and beyond, adding binary transparency to SafetyCore. This allows users and developers to verify that SafetyCore is truly privacy-preserving, just like Google says it is. Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. (Note: We tested these steps on a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.) If you wish to uninstall or disable SafetyCore on your Samsung Galaxy, follow the steps below: (Note: If you decide to disable or get rid of System SafetyCore, you may not be able to benefit from the new security and privacy features or enhancements that Google offers now or in the future.) If you wish to uninstall or disable SafetyCore on your Pixel device, follow the steps below: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer. (Note: We tested these steps on a Pixel 9 Pro.) If you're concerned about Google's data collection and want to keep your personal information safe, here are four steps you can take. 1) Limit app permissions: Regularly review and restrict app permissions, especially for access to your camera, microphone, storage or location. If an app doesn't need access, revoke it in your device settings. 2) Disable background data and tracking: Prevent unnecessary tracking by turning off background data for apps that don't require constant internet access. You can also disable location tracking and opt out of Google's personalized ads in your account settings. 3) Use a VPN for secure browsing: A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your internet traffic, preventing your ISP, Google or other entities from tracking your online activity. Privacy-focused VPNs are great options that do not log user data. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 4) Regularly clear personal data: Delete unnecessary stored data such as search history, location history and cached files. You can do this in your Google Account settings and within individual apps to minimize your digital footprint. SafetyCore is an interesting addition to Android, offering on-device content filtering with machine learning. While it aims to enhance privacy and security, some users might have questions about its presence and functionality. Whether you decide to keep it or explore disabling it, staying informed about your device's features is always a good idea. This way, you can make choices that best fit your needs and preferences for managing your Android device. Do you trust Google's claim that SafetyCore operates entirely on-device and does not share your data? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Fox News
28-03-2025
- Business
- Fox News
President Trump Gets Tough on International Gangs
Last weekend, Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order that prevents the Trump administration from using the Alien Enemies Act for deportations. The circuit court ruled against the administration, which claims there is an 'invasion' that would allow them to enforce the act. As a result, Judge Boasberg's order remains in effect. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins us to discuss the legal issues surrounding the Alien Enemies Act and the recent fallout over the Signal chat leak. The genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid financial struggles. Over nearly twenty years, millions of customers used the company's DNA-based ancestry test kit, giving them a lot of personal information. Now that the company's future is in limbo, there are questions about who will have control of that data. Tech expert 'Cyberguy' Kurt Knutsson discusses the risks of genetic data getting into the wrong hands and what people can do to protect their privacy. Don't miss the good news with Tonya J. Powers. Plus, commentary from the host of the 'Kennedy Saves The World' podcast, Kennedy. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
