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The Guardian
9 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Summer hosting: everything you need for a dinner, a girls' trip or a kids' party
There is something so deliciously informal about summer hosting. Gone are the elaborate table lays, multiple courses and floral arrangements of the colder months. In exchange, we simply dust off the garden furniture, open a pack of olives and hope for the best. Picnics in the park segue straight into rosé-fuelled suppers – usually under the dappled shade of a tree your partner has been aspiring to prune since the sun first appeared. Through these little moments with family and friends, it becomes apparent that hosting is more than a hobby; it's a love language. Independently of what's served at the table, hosting is a way of providing meaningful in-person interactions in an age when much of our lives feel digitised and somewhat mundane. I learned my dinner party talents from my grandmother, who – despite being quick to tell me to not over-gild the lily – would throw the most gorgeous dinner parties: three courses, handmade pastry and paired wines. Tucked up in bed, I used to hear people laughing through the floorboards late into the night, and feel electric at the thought of being able to one day curate that environment myself. Fast forward to my adult life, and I think that a lot of us feel we don't have the time to be handmaking anything: focused for now on climbing a career ladder, raising children, or even just nursing a hangover. Thankfully, we have Ocado: with high quality produce, ease of delivery and a plethora of quality pre-prepped options, it helps me maintain the community and soul of hosting, without overstretching myself. No matter the occasion, Ocado can deliver. Here's how I would bring some of the most special summer moments to life … Every summer as young adults, my friends and I used to pile into my parents' home in Devon, with very little planned other than escaping the heat of London and working on some competitive tan lines. In typical post-teen arrogance, we had yet to acquire driving licences so organising a food shop in advance was paramount, and it usually featured a concerning amount of tequila. 'Special moments demand a suitably special menu' Years later, we're still escaping London together, still with the same urgency for a celebratory drink, but now less to do with the end of exams, and more likely to do with engagements, house moves and pregnancies. Special moments like these demand a suitably special menu, and Ocado has everything you need to make the weekend sparkle. With an Ocado order due the evening we arrive, we head to our destination in eager anticipation. A girls' getaway awaits. The first night catch-upAs anyone who's been on a girls' weekend away will know, the night of arrival is usually unexpectedly intense, all excitement at bagsying the best bedrooms and catching up. Having food ready to go is key. First call of duty is drinks and nibbles: Gran Luchito lightly salted tortilla chips and Ramona's original houmous does the dream 'girl dinner' make. Add a pre-chilled bottle of Daylesford Chateau Leoube sparkling Provence rosé for a sense of celebration. Unpacking can wait; it's time to gather around the kitchen table (or if the weather's being kind, the garden) and toast to the years gone by. Though the friendships might have stayed the same through the years, individual life stages have shifted a bit. With at least one of the group usually expecting or pumping, it's nice to provide an alternative. I tried the Wild Idol alcohol free 0.0% sparkling rosé while I was postpartum and it's the closest I got to replicating the ceremonial ambiance a glass of fizz creates. Alcoholic or alcohol-free – it's nice for everyone to feel involved. Once we're swept up in chat, we don't want a high-maintenance main course. I'd probably serve something fresh, zingy and quick like the M&S king prawn skewers with chilli, garlic & paprika alongside grilled zephyr courgettes and a grain salad on the side. For pudding? Trufru chocolate strawberries and Pukpip dark chocolate banana bites; they're the right side of indulgent (chocolate on a girls' trip is a must) without overloading you just before sleep. It would be remiss not to acknowledge that a bottle of Casamigos Reposado tequila has slipped into our delivery … a nod to our previous partying prowess. Did anyone remember the limes? 'Having food ready to go is key' The second day jauntDay two is more wholesome: a coastal walk with an Italian inspired picnic. Heads are slightly sore, but spirits are high after spending the morning sitting on each other's beds nursing coffee and rehashing details from the night before. With partners back at home, there is some initial bickering about who'll carry the picnic bags, but thankfully Ocado delivered the Three Rivers cool bag, and that's deemed aesthetic enough for someone to take charge. We squeeze into as few vehicles as possible and head to the coast, blasting the playlist that saw us through our uni clubbing days. About 40 yards from the car park is where lunch is first suggested, but one of us has Google Maps and a Duke of Edinburgh bronze award, so we muster onwards until we find a suitably aesthetic viewpoint. No trusty bench, but the Three Rivers picnic blanket and picky bits – the dream. Out come the M&S semi-dried tomatoes & Italian mozzarella, M&S Italian vignola prosciutto and M&S dressed pesto houmous with breadsticks. A few of us are valiant enough to brave 'hair of the dog' so we open the Mirabeau x Fever Tree rosé spritz, a milder option for lunchtime drinking with branding that feels as nostalgically Famous Five as we do in our 'hiking chic' outfits. After lunch, we finish the walk with a dip and detour to a local ice-cream shop. With sand between our toes and the sound of chatter from the group as we drive back, it's hard to imagine a better place to be. The final day adieus For the morning of our last day, brunch is a game of 'finish the fridge' resulting in an eclectic smorgasbord of leftovers. Outfits are reallocated to their correct owners and bags are zipped before we sit down for our last meal. Thankfully I've thought ahead and added a Moju ginger dosing bottle to the delivery so everyone can energise themselves before reuniting with the family. Before the girls pile into their respective raisin-and-toy-cluttered cars, I slip a Jude's flat white coffee milkshake into each of their cup holders – a treat for the traffic as they hit the motorway. These are the moments of being a hostess that mean the most – it doesn't need to be labouring at a stove to prove your culinary prowess, but just a little gesture that says 'I see you and I love you', from stocking their favourite drink in your fridge, to ordering a postpartum Ocado delivery to their door. My daughter's first birthday party is probably the best example of hosting with heart. In the lead up to the day, I felt unexpectedly vulnerable. I had changed so much from a naive pregnant girl to a woman who had raised a baby through her first year and I think part of me was grieving the loss of those first months of her babyhood. So much of motherhood is yearning for them to reach amazing new milestones, while also feeling loss as they outgrow parts of their younger identity – it's wanting all versions of them simultaneously. 'A garden party is the perfect way to celebrate a child's birthday' In my day-to-day life, I'm a frivolous person with a penchant for making a statement; but for sentimental milestones, I pivot and exclusively want something simple and nostalgic. I was like this with my wedding dress too. When the event itself has so much emotional weight, you don't need the bells and whistles for it to feel special. I think a garden party is the perfect way to celebrate a child's birthday and just because you're at home doesn't mean you can't outsource some of the prep. An Ocado delivery the day before alleviates some of the mental load. Decorations and games If you have kids, chances are your sitting room is as scattered with toys as mine. The truth is we all have sufficient ways to entertain children, but it's nice to bring the group together with some new activities. Under the shade, I would set up a teddy bear's picnic with the Rex London wooden tea playset. Using existing soft toys as decoration is a great way to ensure you're not consuming one-trick wonders for a party, and you could pop a little party hat on each of the teddies; it'll look really sweet and is always a hit with the quieter children. For the more energetic kids, I'd add the Rex London skittles set to my basket – nominally for the youngsters, this game also attracts the dads as the party progresses, and scoring a strike soon becomes a niche form of suburban peacocking. Lastly, I would order the Rex London chalk eggs. My daughter adores using these on our patio and it inadvertently adds such a sense of whimsy to a party to have pastel children's drawings decorating the floor. Then, instead of party bags, I'd do a slice of cake and a Hoot bubble wand each – my daughter is young, so one larger item is a better bet than lots of small bits. 'Pop a little party hat on each of the teddies; it'll look really sweet' For the kidsMy husband will of course be at the BBQ – potentially a more productive way to peacock. DukesHill Lincolnshire sausages cook really well on a grill and I'd serve them into Ocado sliced hot dog rolls with lashings of ketchup; such a failsafe. I'd offer this alongside bowls of M&S sweet potato fries and some optimistic cucumber batons. I love the Wholegood organic wonky cucumbers for this. As tableware, the Talking Tables summer bon paper plates because I'm wiser than letting flocks of toddlers near my china. It wouldn't be an English garden party without serving Belvoir elderflower cordial for the kiddies and alcohol-free adults, and then for pudding, Ocado's British strawberries and the Jude's very vanilla multipack: handy pre-portioned tubs of ice-cream in a beautifully whimsical pastel stripe. For the adultsFirst birthdays especially feel like more of a celebration for the parents than the baby, so it's nice to make the event enjoyable for the adults too. Serve in ice buckets for low maintenance hosting: The Uncommon English bubbly rosé multipack (which I tried at an event and was so pleasantly surprised by), Laylo sauvignon blanc (an English based company that will make you rethink tinned wine) and bottles of Birra Moretti. It would be remiss to not point out that I have also picked these drinks for their colour palettes, chosen to fit with the pastel themes throughout. Speaking of surreptitiously sneaking in colour, I would pop Yvonne Ellen picnic wine glasses next to the drinks to prevent uproar at the tinned wine offerings. For food, though a few wayward hot dogs will absolutely make their way to the adults, I would also serve some M&S antipasti sharing platters and bags of sea salt & balsamic vinegar of Modena Kettle chips to tide stomachs over until cake o'clock. As the cake is served, I would also add cans of premixed Pimm's No1 with lemonade to the ice buckets – Victoria sponge and Pimms is a truly British combination that's enough to make anyone feel patriotic. No cucumbers required. This is my bread and butter and how I built up my original following online. Some of my favourite people to host are the hardest to pin down: my goddaughters' parents, my brother, friends who (unlike me) find themselves in gainful employment. Usually the busier they are, the better dinner party company they are – coming to the table full of tantalising stories about a demanding industry or an area I know little about. The best kind of dinner party is when you mix these groups. When your table is full of diverse and dynamic people, it almost feels like a materialisation of how full your life is. When the group is so good that the conversation flows freely, it doesn't really matter if the food isn't made from scratch. Enter, Ocado … 'If you come to my house, you're going to leave thoroughly spoiled' The table layI am the kind of person who thrives off in-person interaction, so I may not text you hourly but if you come to my house, you're going to leave thoroughly spoiled. The start of this process is the table lay and for a soiree, I go all out. Coupes for champagne, Villeroy & Boch Vivo red wine glasses for Hugo spritzes and their white wine glasses for supper pairings – name a drink, and I've laid the glassware for it. All of this adorning a freshly pressed tablecloth. Then, to inject some colour, the Duralex Picardie jungle green tumblers, echoed by two green candle holders at the centre of the table and eucalyptus in stem vases along the length. The meal As for what I'd serve, when I imagine my dream dinner party there are a few of my closest friends there who have dietary requirements (namely a pesca-vegan). It can make people feel unseen if they're not catered to, so I like to start the meal with a wide range of nibbles. The great thing about summer is that it's much easier to serve chilled food, meaning you can prep anywhere from hours to a day in advance, depending on your time. The night before, I would use the Sound Seafood smoked boneless mackerel fillets to make a paté with lemon and cream cheese, notably heavy on the horseradish. This can then chill in the fridge until just before guests arrive, when I'd serve it as a starter surrounded by plain salted crisps, crudites such as chicory and breakfast radishes (a soak in iced water adds to the peppery crunch) alongside hunks of hearty brown bread. To take this dip to the next level for my guests, I'd top it with Elsinore trout caviar. Simultaneously, I would open some M&S Collection giant nocellara olives which are just such a showstopper – creamy, glossy and briny, they are the Chanel of olives. For those who don't eat fish, I'd serve a pot of M&S Collection red pepper & walnut dip. As a main, it would be remiss to not make the most of Ocado stocking Isle of Wight speciality tomatoes. They are the most flavoursome, beautiful vine tomatoes, so hypnotic in their eclectic colouring and size that I've even been known to drape them along the table as a decorative centrepiece. Here though, we roast them. Wrap a head of garlic in tinfoil and pop in a tray alongside your tomatoes on the vine (covered generously in M&S organic extra virgin olive oil). Roast low until bursting, before removing the vines and blending with mascarpone, fresh basil and the roasted garlic bulbs for a deliciously simple tomato sauce that pairs perfectly with linguine and grated parmesan. 'Drinks are arguably the most important part of the meal' The drinksAnd now we reach the drinks, arguably the most important part of the meal. What you serve is going to dictate the vibe of the evening and so naturally I'd start with two bottles of chilled Nyetimber classic cuvee. This sparkling wine is the signature product of the south England-based vineyard: complex, elegant and intense, it's the perfect drink for an adults-only soiree. After a toast, I then like to follow with an offer of cocktails before we settle into wine. For a cold grazing platter, it has to be the trending drink of the moment: a Hugo spritz. For the spritz to be right, you will need St Germain French elderflower liqueur, Bombay Sapphire gin, Faldeo prosecco, mint and soda water. As a non-alcoholic cocktail option, I cannot rave about Botivo enough. I first tried this aperitif at Club Soda, the sober-curious store in Covent Garden, and Bovito has since gone on to collaborate with giants of the gastronomic world, such as Berry Bros, Ottolenghi and Maison François. Serving Botivo at a dinner party is a subtle way of communicating that you're in the culinary know. As we move on to our main course, I'm pairing the pasta with Bowl Grabber vinho verde – an affordable and well-rated Ocado wine. Concessions have to be made somewhere in the budget and with a wine this good, no one will even know it's happened. Life delivered. Shop now at
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Pioneering Advances Reshape the Future of Live Cell Imaging
Live cell imaging is a technique that is used to study living cells in real time, using advanced imaging systems such as fluorescence or confocal microscopy. This allows researchers to inspect cellular processes such as movement, division and interaction without interrupting cells. The market for live cell imaging is increasing due to increasing demand to detect early disease, increase in research in cancer and neurobiology, progress in imaging technologies and more investment in cell-based drug search. Additionally, the growth of personal medical and stem cell research is further enhancing its adoption in both academic and drug fields. Key Growth Drivers and Opportunities Increasing Demand for Detection of Early Disease: The increasing demand for initial disease detection is increasing the increase in live cell imaging market, as this technique enables the real -time view of cellular behavior, which helps researchers to identify abnormalities in early stages. In the progression of the disease, initial insight, especially in cancer, neurodegenerative, and infectious diseases, allow rapid diagnosis and more effective treatment development. It is an accurate, real -time real -time cellular data requiring, which advancing healthcare and research institutes to adopt advanced live cell is imaging systems, promoting market expansion. Challenges Live cell imaging markets face boundaries such as high equipment and maintenance costs, which can restrict adoption between small research laboratories and institutions. Additionally, the complexity of the imaging system requires efficient personnel for operation and data analysis, which is a challenge in resource-limited settings. Live imaging can also affect cell viability over time due to phototoxicity and environmental disturbances, which can affect the result accuracy. Limited standardization and fertility on platforms obstruct the extensive clinical application. Innovation and Expansion An Innovative Live-Cell Imaging System Is Unveiled by a Durham Startup In February 2025, A live-cell imaging system that greatly increases speed and throughput for cell analysis has been introduced by Ramona, a Durham-based supplier of cutting-edge imaging equipment for the life sciences. Ramona wants to raise the bar for throughput speeds and standards using Vireo. Vireo can evaluate a 96-well plate with five channels in less than two minutes, according to the firm. After a year-long early access program for research institutes, the product will be commercially released. The Neuroscience Center and the Carolina Institute for Development Disabilities are two early users at the UNC School of Medicine. For real-time cell analysis, Nanolive introduces the LIVE Cell Death Assay In September 2022, The LIVE Cell Death Assay, a push-button, automated solution for label-free cell health, death, apoptosis, and necrosis profiling, is another revolutionary instrument in the field of cell analysis from Nanolive. First-in-class cytotoxicity analysis of dynamic label-free live cell data is offered by the LIVE Cell Death Assay (LCDA). The LCDA was created with cutting-edge machine learning techniques and has been trained to distinguish between necrosis and apoptosis in addition to living and dead cells. The LCDA is designed to be as easy to use as feasible; all it takes is one button click to begin the analysis. It provides 13 indicators linked to viability and death. Inventive Sparks, Expanding Markets Prominent players working in the live cell imaging market include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Revilit., Nikon Corporation Healthcare, Zes Group and others. Investing in technology innovations involves AI-operated image analysis, super-resolution microscopy, and automation to improve productivity and accuracy, one of the main initiatives for live cell imaging businesses. Business will focus on enhancing your product line by creating affordable and intuitive solutions for a series of research uses, serving both large pharmaceutical firms and small academic laboratories. About Author: Prophecy is a specialized market research, analytics, marketing and business strategy, and solutions company that offer strategic and tactical support to clients for making well-informed business decisions and to identify and achieve high value opportunities in the target business area. Also, we help our client to address business challenges and provide best possible solutions to overcome them and transform their business. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Man fatally struck by car on SR-67 in Ramona, CHP says
RAMONA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A man was fatally hit by a car while standing on State Route 67 in Ramona, authorities said. According to California Highway Patrol, the 40-year-old Ramona man was standing within the northbound lane of SR-67, north of Archie Moore Road, shortly before midnight on Friday, July 18. Around the same time, a woman, 44, from Irvine was driving a 2018 Dodge Challenger in the same area. Driver charged in fatal hit-and-run on Inland Rail Trail For reasons still under investigation, the man was standing in the roadway in low-lighting and the car hit the pedestrian, CHP stated. The man was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. The driver of the Dodge was not injured. It is unknown at this time whether alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the crash, authorities said. CHP reminds pedestrians to always use sidewalks and crosswalks, and to never assume they can be seen by drivers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
03-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Hydroponic Fodder from Sprouting Gear Gains Interest in Drought Adaptation Efforts
Sprouting Gear cuts livestock feed water use by 95% with on-site hydroponic barley fodder—helping ranchers thrive amid drought and rising resource costs. 'Our goal is to help producers grow feed that's independent of rain, irrigation, or rising costs. '— Paul Pluss, Founder and CEO of Sprouting Gear Inc. RAMONA, CA, UNITED STATES, July 3, 2025 / / -- As persistent drought conditions and aquifer depletion threaten the future of American livestock production, Sprouting Gear Inc. is earning attention from researchers, ranchers, and sustainability advocates for its water-efficient hydroponic barley fodder system. Sprouting Gear's proprietary 3-stage, climate-controlled growing system can reduce water usage for feed production by over 95%, offering a powerful adaptation strategy for ranchers operating in water-stressed regions. Designed to be built adjacent to feedlots, the system produces up to 19 pounds of fresh, nutrient-rich barley fodder per 2 pounds of seed—without the use of tractors, field irrigation, or heavy transport. 'Our goal is to help producers grow feed that's independent of rain, irrigation, or rising costs,' said Paul Pluss, Founder and CEO of Sprouting Gear. 'The system is built for resilience, and we're seeing growing interest from operators looking to drought-proof their operations.' Key Drought Adaptation Benefits: - Over 95% less water than conventional irrigated hay or silage - No center pivots, pumps, or tractors required - Grows feed year-round—even in drought, extreme heat, or water restrictions High-moisture feed improves digestion and reduces cattle's water intake The system aligns with national priorities around climate-smart agriculture, regenerative practices, and localized feed production. 'Water is now the single biggest constraint on U.S. cattle production,' Pluss noted. 'Sprouting Gear gives ranchers a way to take control of their feed supply and their future.' Sprouting Gear is actively supporting producers interested in exploring environmental offset opportunities through its licensing and support program. About Sprouting Gear Inc. Sprouting Gear Inc. is reimagining the future of cattle feed with its patented hydroponic barley fodder system. Designed to cut land, water, fuel, and carbon usage by over 95%, the system enables large-scale cattle operations to grow fresh, highly digestible feed on-site, year-round. Based in California, the company supports producers nationwide with scalable, climate-resilient feed solutions. Paul Pluss Sprouting Gear [email protected] Visit us on social media: YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Hans India
23-06-2025
- Hans India
5 Online Scams You Should Watch Out for in 2025 — and How to Stay Safe
The internet is a fun place, but it has dangers. Scammers use clever tricks to steal your money or information. In 2025, scams are sneakier than ever. This guide shares five big online scams, including fake and Misleading keywords like snaptroid, and simple ways to stay safe. It's easy to read so everyone can understand. Let's keep the internet safe and fun! Why Online Scams Are a Big Deal in 2025 Scammers love the internet. They trick kids, teens, and adults every day. In 2024, scams cost people over $12 billion, says the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In 2025, scammers use smart tools like artificial intelligence (AI) to make scams look real. They pretend to be your friend, make fake websites, or send scary messages. This guide is for anyone searching 'online scams 2025.' It's packed with clear tips to stay safe. Let's dive into the five biggest scams and how to avoid them. Meet an Expert Helping You Stay Safe Ramona P. Woodmansee is a researcher who cares about your safety online. She studies scams and writes easy guides to protect you. For five years, Ramona has explored tools like Snaptroid and their risks on apps like Snapchat. Her work on helps kids, teens, and parents spot dangers like fake keywords or phishing. She shares real stories and honest advice to make the internet safer for everyone. Scam #1: Fake and Misleading Keywords What Is It? Fake and misleading keywords are words scammers use to trick you. When you search them on Google, you find bad websites. These sites promise free stuff, like games or gift cards, but they steal your info or hurt your device. For example, searching 'free Roblox Robux' might lead to a site that asks for your game login. How It Works Scammers use tempting words like 'free' or 'win' to grab your attention. Their websites look real but ask for your email, password, or money. They add urgent phrases like 'act now' to make you click fast. These keywords often copy popular apps, like 'Snapchat hack,' to seem trustworthy. Real Example A kid searched 'free Fortnite skins' and found a site. It asked him to download an app. The app had a virus that slowed his phone. The site used fake keywords to look safe. Dangers Fake keywords can cause big problems. They lead to viruses that harm your device. Scammers might steal your email or game account. Some sites trick you into paying for things that don't exist. How to Stay Safe Search Safely: Use words like 'safe games' instead of 'free games.' Use words like 'safe games' instead of 'free games.' Check URLs: Real sites use ' and names like ' Fake ones look odd, like ' Real sites use ' and names like ' Fake ones look odd, like ' Don't Download: Only get apps from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Only get apps from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Ask an Adult: If a site seems strange, ask a parent or teacher. Scam #2: Phishing Messages What Is It? Phishing messages are fake emails or texts that look real. They pretend to come from companies like Amazon or your bank. In 2025, these messages are hard to spot. For example, a text might say, 'Your PayPal account is locked. Click here to fix it.' How It Works Scammers send messages about a problem, like a delayed package. They include a link to a fake website that looks real. You enter your password or card details, and scammers steal them. They use AI to make messages sound convincing. Real Example A teen got an email saying her Netflix account needed verification. She clicked a link and shared her login. Scammers took over her account. The email looked exactly like Netflix. Dangers Phishing can steal your accounts. Scammers might use your bank details to take money. You could get tons of spam messages. It's a big headache to fix. How to Stay Safe Check the Sender: If the email is from '[email protected],' it's a scam. If the email is from '[email protected],' it's a scam. Don't Click Links: Type the real website, like ' yourself. Type the real website, like ' yourself. Use 2FA: Add two-factor authentication. It needs a phone code to log in. Add two-factor authentication. It needs a phone code to log in. Show an Adult: Let a parent see weird messages. Scam #3: Fake Online Stores What Is It? Fake online stores offer amazing deals, but they don't send anything. These websites look like real shops with cool products. In 2025, you'll see them in TikTok or Instagram ads. For example, a site might sell a $15 phone that's normally $200. How It Works Scammers show super cheap prices to excite you. Their websites look professional but are fake. You pay, but the site vanishes. Some sites steal your card details too. Real Example A girl saw a $10 toy on Facebook. She paid, but the website was gone the next day. The ad promised 'cheap toys' but was a scam. Dangers You lose money when you pay. Scammers might use your card to buy things. If they send something, it's junk. It's frustrating to get tricked. How to Stay Safe Shop Trusted Stores: Buy from big names like Walmart or Target. Buy from big names like Walmart or Target. Check Reviews: Look on Trustpilot. No reviews mean trouble. Look on Trustpilot. No reviews mean trouble. Pay Safely: Use PayPal or a credit card. They can help if scammed. Use PayPal or a credit card. They can help if scammed. Ask an Adult: Show deals to a parent first. Scam #4: Romance Scams What Is It? Romance scams happen when someone pretends to like you to steal money. Scammers make fake profiles on apps like Snapchat or Tinder. In 2025, they use AI to sound real. For example, someone might say they love your favorite game to get your trust. How It Works Scammers chat for weeks to seem like a friend. They tell sad stories, like needing money for a trip. You send cash or gift cards, and they disappear. Their profile was fake all along. Real Example A boy met someone on Instagram who said they were his age. They asked for $50 for a 'plane ticket.' He sent it, but the profile vanished. It was a fake account. Dangers You lose money you send. It hurts to learn someone lied. Scammers might steal your personal info. It feels awful to be tricked. How to Stay Safe Go Slow: Don't trust someone fast online. Don't trust someone fast online. Video Chat: Ask to see them on video. If they say no, they're fake. Ask to see them on video. If they say no, they're fake. Don't Send Money: Never give cash to someone you haven't met. Never give cash to someone you haven't met. Check Photos: Use Google Images to see if their picture is stolen. Scam #5: Fake Investment Deals What Is It? Fake investment deals promise you'll get rich fast. Scammers use social media to sell fake deals, like crypto or stocks. In 2025, these scams are huge because Bitcoin is popular. For example, an ad might say, 'Invest $100 and get $1,000 in a month!' How It Works Scammers promise big money with no risk. They show fake screenshots of profits. You send money, but can't get it back. The website or app disappears. Real Example A teen saw a YouTube ad about a 'crypto plan.' She sent $300, but the site locked her out. The ad was a total scam. Dangers You lose all your money. Scammers might take your bank details. You feel silly for believing the promises. It's a big loss. How to Stay Safe Check the Company: Use the SEC's EDGAR site to see if it's real. Use the SEC's EDGAR site to see if it's real. Avoid Hype: Don't trust social media ads about money. Don't trust social media ads about money. Use Trusted Sites: Invest with big names like Robinhood. Invest with big names like Robinhood. Ask an Adult: Talk to a parent before investing. What to Do If You Get Scammed Mistakes happen. If you fall for a scam, stay calm. Here's what to do: Close the Site If a site looks odd or asks for info, close it now. Don't click anything. This stops more problems. Run an Antivirus Scan Use antivirus software to check your device. It finds and removes viruses. Try Norton or Malwarebytes for help. Change Passwords If you shared your login, change your password fast. Make it strong, like 'Sunny123!' with letters and numbers. Do this for all accounts. Tell an Adult Show a parent or teacher what happened. They can help you fix it. You can also ask questions at Report the Scam Tell the FTC at Report fake sites to ScamAdviser too. This warns others and helps stop scammers. Why Fights Scams wants the internet to be safe for everyone. We share easy guides to spot scams like fake keywords or phishing. Our articles are simple so kids and teens can understand. You can learn about Snaptroid and other risky tools on Our goal is to make the digital world clear. We review apps and scams to show what's safe. Visit for free tips and advice Tips for Parents and Teachers Parents and teachers can keep kids safe. Here are simple ways to help: Teach Safe Internet Use Show kids how to use the internet safely. Say 'safe apps' instead of 'free apps.' Explain why 'hack' words are bad. Use Parental Controls Set up apps to block bad websites. These stop kids from finding scams. Your internet provider can help set them up. Talk About Scams Chat with kids about the internet. Ask what games or apps they use. If they mention weird sites, explain the risks. The Future of Online Scams Scammers will keep trying new tricks in 2025. They'll use AI to make scams look real. Scams about crypto or AI tools, like 'free AI app,' will grow. Fake keywords will get trickier too. is ready to help. We're building a 'Scam Checker' tool. You'll type a website or keyword, and it'll say if it's safe. We're also making videos to show how to spot scams. Final Thoughts Online scams in 2025 are sneaky, but you can stay safe. Watch out for fake keywords, phishing messages, fake stores, romance scams, and investment tricks. Use trusted websites, check URLs, and keep your info private. If you're not sure, ask an adult or visit for help
