0COMMENTS
Is Sexting Really Dangerous?
If we have learned anything about sexting, we know it’s fun but foolish and potentially dangerous. Politicians and celebrities are often in the news because of sexting. Some have experienced ruined careers and/or ruined relationships. They tell the media they were caught up in the moment or meant no harm. In the end, the fun was not worth the consequence.
The act is particularly dangerous for youths. Kids are often drawn into sexting with strangers; people who aren’t who they claim to be. The result may be dangerous or even fatal. Even the most diligent parents can’t be on alert 24/7. Educating children is vital to their safety.
What is Sexting?
Sexting is sending or receiving nude pictures or sexually suggestive text messages through a mobile phone. Teenagers engage in sexting to prove an attraction or to keep a mate. Statistics show that 1 in 7 teens sends sext messages; 1 in 4 receives messages. It’s common for a person to receive a message containing a nude photo or sexual suggestion. If that happens, the child should report it to a parent immediately. The parent can use an app for unknown number look ups to find out who owns the number and report it to authorities.
Sexting Statistics
Teens and politicians aren’t the only ones sending the messages:
- 12% to 16% of youths ages 10 to 19 have sent nude or semi-nude images via their mobile phones.
- 15% of teens have received a sexually explicit image through text or social media.
- 40% of 18 to 34 year-olds admitted to sexting
- 10% of people 55 years old and over admitted to sending sexts.
- Sexts are sent almost equally between male and females.
Sextortion
It’s just like it sounds. Sextortion is a form of extortion or blackmail using sexually elated messages or photos against the person that sent them. It is most common among teens or couples that have recently ended a relationship. It happens between friends who are fighting. Also referred to as “revenge porn,” sextortion can easily embarrass the persons joining in the conversation. It may cause animosity, embarrassment, or worse. Teens can be outcast, expelled or denied access into college. People put themselves at risk, including their future careers and relationships. People need to remember that once a photo or message is on the Internet, it is there forever. You can’t get it back.
Additionally, sexting carries legal issues. The person taking or sending the picture can face fines or even jail for distributing pornography, even if that person is a minor.
Protect Yourself
First, you need to educate yourself about sexting, including the dangers and consequences.
To avoid the embarrassment and possible legal problems from sexting, simply refuse. Do not take nude or compromising pictures. Do not engage in sexual conversations.
Lastly, avoid keeping inappropriate photos and videos on your computer. At the least, computers can be hacked and private photos can be leaked to social media sites.
Performing Background Checks
As technology moves forward, more people are using search engines and reverse phone lookups on iPhone apps to run background checks on family members, friends, possible love interests, and employees. People can search the internet for phone numbers, work history, criminal history, and relationship status. Employers take steps to get information about hires, especially if they are going to be placed in a job where security was important. Now anyone can dig into public and private information with just a few clicks of the mouse.
The Reason for Background Checks
Employers often do employment background checks on people as a part of the job screening process. This was common when someone applied for a job in a place such as a courthouse, airport, financial institution, hospital, school, or government agency. Likewise, they are required for anyone getting a license for real estate, insurance, or another job where the employee must show credibility.
Originally, checks were done when someone applied for a job. Background checks are run on companies, politicians, and individuals for a lot of reasons. The information can be important. However, state laws say what can be accessed in a background check.
Current statistics show that background checks give employers a heads up on potential employees.
- 57% of employers say background checks lead to better hires.
- 85% of employers report finding bad information on resumes and/or job applications.
- 77% of employers have found issues that would have gone unnoticed.
Who Would Run a Background Check on Me?
The most common reason for a background check is employment screening. Job applicants expect background checks in certain circumstances. Someone can run a free background check for security or for personal reasons. Some information is public, but digging deeper is going to cost. Deep checks can be expensive. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) created rules about the information (e.g., credit checks) accessed by potential employers. Anyone using a third-party service must state the reason for the search.
Types of Searches
Some jobs may require certain information. However, most background searches are general. People can do searches for personal use on private individuals. Common types of screening include:
Criminal and Sex Offender Records
There are websites that show the sex offender registry, but criminal checks may not be easy to obtain. Some companies offer to research criminal history for a fee, but usually run a check of public records. Third party background check services can give more detailed information, but will not guarantee the information is correct. The only way to get truly accurate information is to search county or state databases. Official databases are the best way to obtain information on arrests, criminal convictions, court judgments, and other information pertinent to a criminal background check.
Citizenship Status
Employing undocumented workers is illegal and can spell trouble for the employer. Since the formation of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division of the Department of Homeland Security, employers are required to supply proof of citizenship for its workers.
Court Records
Getting information on court records is important for personal and employment reasons. It’s important to know if a future relationship or employee has been in court and what for. It can attest to the person’s character. Public records reveal a great deal about a person and are easy to access.
Driving Records
Employees required to drive at their jobs must have clean records for insurance and safety reasons. Employers can contact their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and/or the Department of Transportation for information.
Education Records
Records show educational information. You can find out if a person has a high school diploma, college degree, graduate degree or license.
Employment Verification
Employers often check job history to check a person’s employment history including his or her skill set, performance, attendance, and relationship with employers and coworkers. LinkedIn can provide information on a person’s work history and performance. Google is another valuable resource for general information.
Financial Information
Reports may include a person’s credit history, civil judgments, tax information or bankruptcy. The FCRA is the best source. This is important information to have for a relationship or employer working in a financial space.
Social Security Number
A person’s social security number shows where a person has lived and worked. People who give out a false SSN may be guilty of identity theft or could be illegal.
Employers cannot refuse to hire someone based on the information of an unofficial search.
How to Run a Free Background Check
Free websites for in-depth background checks don’t exist. Sites offering complete information charge for their services. However, there are some simple ways to get basic information for free.
Search Engines
Search engines are the easiest places to start. Enter the person’s name and location in the search bar of a search engine site. Google and Bing are the most common sites. A simple search will show photos, social media sites. On average, every person has at least one social media account. The search may also show the person’s location, phone number and email. If the person’s name is common, say Joe Smith, put the name in quotes to narrow the search. Enter “Joe Smith” and location, if possible.
Social Media
Social media sites are revealing. People post pictures, thoughts, political views, and comments about work and personal life. Public accounts are a wealth of information. Private accounts reveal little but may offer hints to get more information. Sites to check include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Snapchat.
Incorrect Information
One important step many people miss is running their own background check. People find old information contained in databases. Running your own background check enables you to review information others can see about you. Incorrect information can cost you a job or a relationship. Social media sites are filled with personal information including date of birth, phone number, address and other details you may not want released to the public. You can report incorrect information to the issuing agency. You can also learn how to remove information from your report.
0COMMENTS
Why Are Reverse Phone Searches So Expensive?
Reverse phone searches continue to be difficult at best unless you have the inside scoop on how to track down numbers that may be important. Inevitably, each of us has received one or more calls from unknown numbers. It can drive you crazy if it happens day after day. The same can be said for finding a scrap of paper with a phone number scrawled on it but can’t remember when or why keeping that number was important. The most frustrating part is trying to find out who owns those numbers without spending a small fortune. Free caller ID programs rarely work – at least not accurately. Googling the number will give you page after page of nonsense that leaves you right back where you started. What you will get for your trouble is a multitude of sites that offer the service, often with a premium cost. So, the question remains – Why are reverse phone searches so expensive?
The Explanation
Many sites offer free reverse phone searches for numbers and names and usually deliver what they promise. They will look it up as advertised, but to see the information you must pay. Some simply redirect you to another website. It’s a way around the old bait and switch that keeps it legal, but not very nice. When asked why the searches are expensive, most will reply that it costs a lot of money to run and update databases, to maintain their servers and pay for lists. That may be true but the cost for such a small service is rarely worth it. Some will offer a one-time search for a price, but the real goal is to get you to subscribe to a monthly service which is almost never worth it unless you are planning on becoming a private investigator.
To test my theory about the worthiness of such a search, I signed up for a free three-day trial and searched my own phone number. What did I get? Well, they did track my name, but the address was one from two years ago, and, wait for it…my address from 12 years ago in a different state. They also had me related to my brother’s third ex-wife and my former boss of, again, 12 years ago. That is someone I certainly don’t want to be linked to any more. If I’m paying for a search, can I at least get a guarantee of its accuracy? Probably not.
The Solution
All is not lost. There are good white pages iPhone apps and programs out there but finding them means wading through countless search engine pages and sites like the aforementioned. The best way to find that diamond in the rough is to seek out review sites that will give you the truth and the information you seek. If you do pay for a service, be sure that you are paying for what it’s worth and not some inflated cost that will encourage you to sign up for a monthly service that will likely remain unused.
0COMMENTS
What Is Pickleball?
I recently visited my grandma in her retirement community in Florida and she introduced me to this awesome new game. Imagine a mix between badminton, tennis, and ping pong. The game is called pickleball and it’s a fast-paced, outdoor/indoor sport that can be played in singles and doubles.
Origins of the Game
The game originated in the U.S. when a family wanted to play badminton, but they couldn’t find any shuttlecocks. So instead, they improvised and used wiffle balls and ping pong paddles with a lowered net.
This was the start of the game, which is now popular throughout the country and especially so in retirement communities.
How to Play Pickleball
Pickleball can be played in either singles or doubles and the first side to reach 11 points wins. There are a number of rules that are all pretty easy to learn.
There is a non-volley zone on each side of the net in which players can not volley or hit the ball back without it first bouncing. The player must make there play on the ball after the first bounce, and then the opposing team must let the return shot bounce before they play it.
There are several ways in which a team can be faulted. If the team doesn’t allow the ball to bounce once after it’s bounced on the other side of the net this is a fault. It’s also a fault if someone volleys the ball in the non-volley zone.
What You Need to Play
To play it you need balls (very similar to wiffle balls), a paddle, a net, a court (can be indoor or outdoor), a pickleball bag to carry all your gear in, and a friend! 🙂
Since it’s not likely that you’ll have your own court, you’ll need to travel. Nets can be costly, and not everyone has a tennis court or a yard big enough to play in. You can find local tournaments in your area to play with others. Be sure to invest in a colorful sports duffle to carry everything you need in.
0COMMENTS
Romance Scams: What You Need to Know About Them
Romance scams are a major problem during the winter months. As many singles start to look for relationship some might fall into the traps of overseas catfish. We’ll go over what you need to watch out for to protect your heart and your financials.
What Are Romance Scams?
A romance scam is when a criminal poses as someone they are not. They do this in order to defraud and solicit money from a person who they are in “love” with. These scammers are usually overseas and they will steal the photos of military personnel in order to create a believable story of being deployed and unable to meet in person.
Over weeks or months the scammer will build a relationship with the person that they are targeting. They will profess their love for the person and they will weave a tale of woe surrounding their current life circumstances. They scammer often poses as someone widowed, living overseas far from family and friends.
Once they feel that the person that they are trying to scam is in love, tragedy will strike. They will claim that they’ve had an accident or lost their paperwork. Whatever the excuse something will happen that will leave them stranded and their victim will be their only salvation.
They will ask for money to be wired to them and once they’ve taken the person for all they’re worth they will disappear and move on to another target.
How To Avoid Romance Scams
When meeting people online try to meet them somewhere public in person within the first few days or weeks of chatting with them. If someone is reluctant to meet in person or makes up lots of excuses as to why they can’t meet you in person it’s best to move on. Don’t get emotionally invested in someone who can’t be there for you!
You can also run a search on your new love interests using an iPhone cell phone number look up app. This isn’t to stalk them or anything like that, it’s just to verify that the person you’re talking to is who they say they are.
Virtual Kidnapping Phone Scams – How To Protect Your Family
There is a scary new phone scam that is happening around the United States. You now need to be more careful than ever with your social media and what you’re sharing online. The FBI has been warning people about virtual kidnapping phone scams.
What Is A Virtual Kidnapping Scam?
You receive a call and someone says that they have your loved one. It could be your brother or sister, or son or daughter. The caller will claim that they’ll hurt your family member if they don’t receive a ransom immediately. They will demand that you wire them large amounts of money.
The caller will often know personal information like your family member names and the area that you live in. These criminals will gain this information via social media. It’s very important that you limit what you share online publicly. Only post information about yourself to people that you know.
You can check your privacy settings to make sure that you’re not oversharing. The less you share the safer you’ll be!
What To Do If You Get A Call Like This
The first thing you should do is try to contact the loved one who the kidnapper claims to have. While on the line try to text the person they say they have or call them.
Also try to ask for personal information that only the “kidnapped” person would know. Ask to speak to them if possible to make sure that they are okay. Oftentimes, there will be screaming in the background, but it’s important to try and verify the person’s identity.
Lastly you should contact the police. The caller will tell you not to, but in the case of a real or fake kidnapping you should always contact the authorities. Alert them to the situation and if you’re not sure whether or not it is a scam.
You should always avoid picking up calls from unknown phone numbers. Try to look up calls from mysterious numbers via an app for unknown number look ups before answering.
Avoid Unwanted Calls With Phone Number Tracing
Have you ever gotten a call at an inconvenient time from a number that was completely unknown to you? Did you answer and only hear dead air? Or maybe a recording? These annoying calls are nothing but spam. Luckily, you can cut down on the amount of unwanted calls you receive by using a phone number tracing app.
Unwanted Calls
Unknown and unwanted calls can come in many forms, the most annoying of which is the automated call. You may receive 10 calls in a row from the same number and have your voicemail box flooded with offers of free medical alert systems or vacation offers.
There are ways that you can avoid these types of calls though. The best way to do so is to register your number in the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry. Once your number has been on the list for 30 days telemarketers are no longer allowed to call you unless you’ve explicitly stated that they could.
Unfortunately, the list doesn’t block all spam calls. You’ll still receive charity, political, and survey calls. However, if you’re on the Do Not Call Registry and you get a call from a telemarketer you can report it to the FTC and they will fine the company that called you.
Phone Number Tracing Apps
Another way in which you can cut down on the amount of annoying calls you receive is by downloading a free phone trace on iPhone. These apps will help you sort through which phone number you should call back, and which ones you should avoid.
Many of these apps also come with spam call blocking and incoming call caller ID. Meaning that they will block calls from numbers associated with spam from ringing your phone, and they will automatically identify incoming unknown calls when possible.
The less you answer these annoying calls, the fewer you will receive.
Must Have Apps For iPhone Users
With the news about the new iPhones coming out, everyone is buzzing about the launch this fall. With cool new features these two phones seem like a big change from previous iPhones. Will you end up staying with your old iPhone or upgrade to one of the new ones? Regardless, of what you do here are some of the must have apps that every iPhone user should have on their phone. Including dating apps, time management apps, and caller ID apps.
Password Apps
After so many data breaches you shouldn’t be using weak passwords, or all of the same passwords. Make sure to download and use a password app to help you keep track of your passwords and automatically generate passwords that are strong. A few good options are Lastpasss, Dashlane, and 1Password.
Dating Apps
If you’re single and looking to date you need to have dating apps on your phone. Not having them puts you at a disadvantage and really reduces the dating pool for you. Plus, if you’re moving to a new city these types of apps can be great for making new friends. Some like Bumble even have a BFF feature that lets you look for people in your area that want to make new friends too, which is especially great if you’re moving to a new city or traveling for an extended period of time. The best options are Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge in my opinion.
Caller ID Apps
If you receive a lot of calls from unknown numbers you need to have a iPhone caller ID app. Not only will these apps save you time in deciding who to call back, but they also have features to block calls from known spam numbers. If you get a lot of annoying or unknown calls you should check out Truecaller, CallerSmart, or Hiya.
Ride Share and Map Apps
The best way to get around today is via ride share, like Uber or Lyft, these services are economical and reliable for the most part. Pair this with map apps like Waze, Google Maps, or Moovit (for public transportation) and you’ll be getting where you need to be in no time.
Online Dating Tips: How to Get the Most Out of Online Dating
Everybody is using online dating nowadays, and if you aren’t your putting your single self at a disadvantage! Whether you prefer the popular apps like Tinder or Bumble, or you like sites like Plenty of Fish or Match.com, there is a something and someone out there for everyone. To make sure you get the most out of online dating we’ll go over the basics and how you can stay safe by using reverse phone lookup apps and meeting in public.
Getting Started
Maybe you’re newly single or single for a while, whatever the case, you should try out online dating. Using these apps and sites will get you in the right mindset for meeting new people and dating. How do you choose which site is the best for you though?
Well if you’re a busy person Tinder is a good option. You’ll be able to meet singles in your area, chat, and maybe even meet IRL. Bumble is another good option, however, your matches will expire after a certain time period. This can be annoying if you get tied up with something and aren’t able to connect in time.
Both Tinder and Bumble have premium options, which you can pay extra for, otherwise they are free. Match.com and eHarmony are two sites that require paid memberships to use. They may be good options if you’re more serious about finding “the one” because they ask a number of questions and match you with like-minded people.
Staying Safe
Safety is important with online dating, after all you really have no idea who you’re meeting. Keep these things in mind when chatting with singles and planning your date.
Don’t Overshare Personal Information
Don’t tell someone you’ve just met the exact location of where you live or work. Make sure you don’t share overly personal information, or any sort of financial information.
Verify Their Identity
Make sure the person you’re talking is who they say they are. If you have their phone number you can trace the phone number to verify their identity. Try this white pages app on iPhone that Buzzfeed called “turnt up caller ID” in their “11 Things To Do Before You Start Online Dating“.
Meet In A Public Place
Always meet in a public place on the first date, be sure to take your own car, public transportation, or ride share/taxi service to the date. Never have your date pick you up at your house.
Have Fun
There will definitely be some bad dates, but there will also be good ones. Don’t be discouraged! Take extra precautions to stay safe and if you ever feel uncomfortable don’t be afraid to leave a date.
0COMMENTS
Identify And Locate A Caller With A Phone Number Tracer
Have you ever used a phone number tracer? Do you know they exist? Today, we’ll teach you how easily you can do it.
Phone Number Tracers
There are lots of means on how to trace the whereabouts of a person – and one of the best ways to do this is to trace a phone number of that person. But is this really feasible? Can you really trace a phone number and know where his or her current location is?
Using Tracing Apps
There are many different variations of iPhone cell phone trace app available in the App Store for download. These apps will allow you to trace a phone number without the person knowing that you are tracing him or her. Some of these apps are available for free, while others require purchase.
Old Way Of Tracing Phone Numbers
If you don’t feel like downloading an app, then you can trace a number using a more traditional method. To do this you can search Google for more information on the number that called you. This often means going through multiple pages of search results to try and find the right listing.
Tracing A Phone By Area Code
You can trace a number via its area code. The area code is the first three digits of a 10-digit phone number. These three digits will help you pinpoint the location of the caller. You can find more information by also searching the area code plus the exchange. The area code and exchange are the first 6-digits of a 10-digit phone number. The exchange will show you which central office the phone number is associated with.
You’ll be able to see information such as what carrier the phone number is on and what type of line it is (landline, mobile, or VoIP).
Pros And Cons Of Using A Phone Tracing App
There are several pros and cons to using a phone tracing app. The cons are as follows:
- Not all results are free. You might need to pay for premium services.
- You need to create an account. Typically you will need to create an account with a phone tracing app to use it’s services.
- Results aren’t guaranteed. Sometimes no matter how good the database is some phone numbers remain unidentified.
The pros of using a phone tracing app compared to just Googling a number:
- Easy-to-use. Instead of having to go through pages and pages of search results you’ll immediately be directed to the correct listing.
- More detailed results. The listing information you find in a phone tracing app is usually much more detailed than what you’ll find by just Googling the number.
- Community support. Most phone tracing apps rely not only on their databases but their users too to make sure that all listings are up-to-date and full of information.
0COMMENTS
