Stop and think, Don't click that link

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​"Stop and think, Don't click that link" is a core cybersecurity philosophy championed by tech expert Kim Komando to combat the rise in phishing scams and malicious links. The primary goal is to slow down, recognize urgent or suspicious requests, and avoid falling for tricks that steal personal information or install malware. [1, 2]

Here are key takeaways based on Komando’s warnings as of 2026:

 Top "Don't Click" Scams (2025–2026)

• The Fake "Unsubscribe" Trap: Clicking "unsubscribe" on junk mail can make you a bigger target, as scammers use this to confirm your email address is active, says Komando.com. (Hint: Mark it as Spam)
• SMS/WhatsApp "Is This You?" Photo: A common tactic where a random number sends a picture with a fake "Is this you?" message. Clicking or opening this can download malware and grab personal data.
• Fake Bank/Government Alerts: Text messages regarding "frozen accounts," "USPS package delays," or "tax refunds" that demand you click a link and login, as described by the Hawthorne Police.
• "Mentoring" Scams: Scammers on WhatsApp or Telegram offering fake investment opportunities, often targeting users to make initial payments. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

 How to Stay Safe

• Use Built-in Unsubscribe: Use your email app's official "Spam" or "Block" button rather than a link in the email itself.
• Hover Before You Click: On a computer, hover your mouse over a link to see the actual URL before clicking, advises Facebook.
• Go Directly to the Source: If a message claims to be from a bank or service, close the message and open the company’s official app or website directly. (If you decide you want to call, go to the company’s official website and use the number from there and not the email.)
• Check for Urgency: If a message creates intense panic ("Act now or your account is closed!"), it is almost certainly a scam. [1, 2, 3, 4] 
• Cell Phone Calls: When you get a call from a number not in your contacts list, hold down the power button till it stops rings and the call will be sent to your voicemail. Check to see if they leave a message. If they do not, mark the number to BLOCK. Avoid talking to them if it is not about something you need or expected and block the number. (bh) 
• Cell Phone Texts Message: If you get a TEXT message from a number not in your contacts list, and obviously a spam sales call, mark the number to BLOCK. (bh)
• Be aware that spam callers may call back from a different number, So block them again until they give up. This applies to email too. (bh) 

If you receive a suspicious text, report it to your carrier by forwarding it to 7726 (SPAM) and delete it immediately, according to Komando.com. [1, 2]

Make sure your number is on The National Do Not Call Registry.  After you register, other types of organizations may still call you, such as charities, political groups, debt collectors and surveys.  (bh)

Example of a Android Spam call screenshot and the button at the bottom to block the number

 

My thanks to Kim Komando for compiling the above information and consider signing up to her weekly Newsletter Email (She won't sell your contacts.) Use my special referral link to give me extra credits on her occasional prize give-a-ways. 

thecurrent.komando.com/subscribe?ref=GiH1MbK7RW

(bh) 

Obituary for Alice Jo McQueen Holmes

Come a little early, we may start a 10:50am.

Photo Collection of Alice 

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Why is someone sending friend requests from me on Facebook

Someone might clone your Facebook profile to impersonate you online, typically to send friend requests to your contacts and then use that access to scam them by asking for money, sharing malicious links, or gathering personal information, all while pretending to be you; this is done by copying your profile picture, name, and other publicly available information to create a convincing fake account.

Key points about Facebook profile cloning:

• Scamming intent:

  The primary reason for cloning is to deceive your friends into believing they are interacting with you, allowing the scammer to solicit money or personal information.
• Easy access to information:

  Since much of your Facebook profile is publicly visible, including your profile picture and basic details, it's relatively easy for someone to create a copy.
• Friend request tactic:

  Cloned profiles often send friend requests to your existing contacts, who might readily accept believing it's you.

How to protect yourself:

• Review privacy settings:

  Limit what information is publicly visible on your profile, including your friends list. (Use this link to run a Facebook privacy check to make sure you are aware of what can and canot be seen by friends and public. Most of mine are set to My Eyes Only.  Privacy Checkup LINK  )
• Be cautious with friend requests:

  Always verify the identity of someone sending a friend request, especially if it seems suspicious.
• Report cloned profiles:

  If you discover a cloned account, report it to Facebook immediately. If you can see the new cloned account, use the 3 dots to choose and report the profile as a fake. Eventually block the clone account if Facebook doesn't take it down.  

  
• Inform your friends:

  If you suspect your profile has been cloned, let your friends know to be wary of any unusual messages or requests from you. 

Link with More details

Color Blindness

Color Blindness – learn all about it  

I learned that I was colorblind to some colors when I was tested upon entering the Army at the age of 19. I found it can run in the family and often skips a generation. My Grandfather was colorblind. My son is not but I am told that at least 1 grandson is colorblind. I am lucky to not having a worse for of this malady. 

Color Blindness affects my driving, particularly with traffic lights. I use positional cues, as red/yellow appear similar and green can look white. While I can identify basic colors, shades are tricky. Thankfully, using positional cues helps me stay safe on the road.

Use the link above to read and even test yourself for colorblindness. Let me know in the comments what you think.  

Download a free eBook: Color Blind Essentials.

Use this link to test your colorblindness: Color Blindness Tests  

I have some form of red-green color blindness. 

*unfortunately some of the tests are not available at this time. 

Example of my colorblindness. The 2 photos below look exactly the same to me. What do they look like to you? 

Another link to checkout