Category: Geek

All it takes to claim someone’s refund is their name and SSN. The IRS will then send a paper check to whatever address listed — even if it doesn’t match the one you have on file. Or the agency will direct-deposit the money to whatever bank account number you provide. And that includes nearly untraceable prepaid debit cards — the throwaway kind you buy at gas stations.

It’s an old game of fraud. But it’s more prevalent than ever, former federal prosecutors say. Hackers are increasingly breaking into hospitals, insurers and governments to steal huge databases with millions of SSNs.

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Type “find my phone” into Google, and provided you’re logged into your browser with the same Google account as your phone, you’ll instantly get a map of its location, along with the option to ring it.

To get at more serious settings — like the option to wipe your phone, before anyone can Facebook those nudes — you’ll still need Android Device Manager installed. But if you’ve lost your phone down the back of the couch (or had a particularly night out), a Google browser is all you need from now on.

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I was shocked at how small and slight the Apple Watch felt on my wrist. I’m a larger guy (6′ and built like a linebacker who retired and got a little fat) and when I tried the 42mm Apple Watch Sport on, I thought it was the 38mm. I thought it was tiny and there was some mistake. It is the smallest watch that’s ever been on my wrist.

This past Friday, the first day that the public was allowed to handle and play with the Apple Watch, everyone who had been obsessing over videos and photographs finally got the chance to use one firsthand. I made it to the Apple Store on Friday and was one of those people.

I came away underwhelmed and a little disheartened. Read more…