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5 ways to outsmart a burglar

<p>From burglars’ mouths to your ears: Here are the vulnerabilities they look for when they’re deciding whether to rob you blind.</p> <p><strong>1. Keep a car parked in your driveway</strong></p> <p>The investigative team at the Portland 24-hour news station KGW conducted an anonymous survey of 86 inmates incarcerated for burglary in a state prison, and almost all of the burglars surveyed said they’d think twice if they saw a car in a driveway.</p> <p><strong>2. Keep your doors and windows locked</strong></p> <p>Yes, this seems obvious. Yet a lot of people actually forget to lock their doors and windows. Most burglars KGW surveyed said they tended to “break in” simply by walking through an unlocked door or climbing through an unlocked window.</p> <p><strong>3. Consider making your door kick-proof</strong></p> <p>Some of the burglars surveyed by KGW said they’d be willing to kick in a locked door. It’s actually not difficult to kick in a door.</p> <p><strong>4. Don’t ignore a knock on the door</strong></p> <p>Every burglar surveyed by KGW reports knocking on the front door before breaking into a home; if someone answers the door, the burglar makes up an excuse and moves on. You don’t have to open the door for the person, but definitely let the person know you’re home – you just might thwart a burglary.</p> <p><strong>5. Prune those shrubs</strong></p> <p>Burglars value their privacy while they’re breaking and entering. Theoretically, if every house on a particular block seemed empty, a burglar would still choose to target the house that offers the most privacy. To deter would-be burglars, keep the shrubs around your house well-trimmed.</p> <p><em>Written by Lauren Cahn. This article first appeared in </em><span><a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/im-a-burglar-heres-how-to-outsmart-me"><em>Reader’s Digest</em></a><em>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN93V"><em>here’s our best subscription offer.</em></a></span></p>

Technology

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Take the test: Can you outsmart the scammers?

<p>Just like here in New Zealand, the UK is experiencing an online scam epidemic. But despite 9 in 10 people believing they can spot a fraudulent message in their inbox, only one in 10 scored full marks on this “spot the scam” test.</p> <p>The quiz, developed by the UK government’s “Take Five” campaign to educate the public on the risks of cybercrime, presents you with eight emails and text messages. All you need to do is identify if it’s a scam or the real thing.</p> <p>Give it a go for yourself.</p> <p><iframe src="https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/takethetest/" scrolling="yes" frameborder="0" width="636" height="700"></iframe></p> <p>In addition to the test, the Take Five campaign has also issued four tips to help you protect yourself online.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Never give out your PIN </strong>– It’s a no-brainer for most, but it bears reminding. No bank will ever ask you for your pin or password.</li> <li><strong>Protect your financial details</strong> – Only give them out to services you use, trust and expect to be contacted by.</li> <li><strong>Don’t click </strong>– Avoid clicking on any links in an unexpected email or text.</li> <li><strong>Keep personal information private</strong> – If you’re asked to provide personal information, don’t. Instead, contact the company directly using their official email address or phone number.</li> </ol> <p>How did you do on the test? Share your results with us in the comments below!</p>

Technology

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How to outsmart your salesperson when laptop shopping

<p><em><strong>Lisa Du is director of <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://readytechgo.com.au/" target="_blank">ReadyTechGo</a></span>, a service that helps people gain the confidence and skills to embrace modern technology. </strong></em></p> <p>Muddled by the tech terms used by the salesperson?</p> <p>Not sure what Ram, SD, Intel means?</p> <p>From time to time, we hear of clients being sold laptops that are not appropriate, because the sales person used tech terms to glorify a particular laptop, or sell something that is not required.</p> <p>We're here to help you understand these terms, so that you can choose the most suitable laptop to suit your needs.</p> <p><strong>What will you be using the laptop for?</strong></p> <p>We always ask this question, because if you use your laptop to do basic functions such as:</p> <ul> <li>Browse the internet</li> <li>Viewing photos</li> <li>Emails</li> </ul> <p>This is very different to someone who is using their laptop for Video Editing or Work. Based on what you use your laptop for, these are the important features you need to consider:</p> <ul> <li>Choose a PROCESSOR</li> <li>Choose RAM Amount</li> <li>Check HARD DRIVE storage space</li> <li>Find one that you like the look and feel of If</li> <li>Have a budget and pick a computer which matches your budget</li> </ul> <p><strong>Processor</strong></p> <p>Processor is the brains behind your computer.</p> <p>Choose a processor from: Intel Core i3, i5 or i7.</p> <p>The processors have different capabilities which you should match to your own usage needs. The numbers refer to their processing power. Core i7s are better than Core i5s, which in turn are better than Core i3s.</p> <p>AMD Processors are generally cheaper processors, and Intel processors are more powerful.</p> <p>If you see Intel Dual Core - this is like having two brains!</p> <p><strong>RAM</strong></p> <p>RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and is like your brains short term memory.</p> <p>Your short term memory can only hold so much information, and your computer is the same!</p> <p>The more RAM in your computer, the more functions your computer can perform. If you find yourself frustrated at how slow your computer is working once you having multiple applications open (such as email, internet and photos), it generally means you don't have much RAM</p> <p>If you love to multitask (like me! I have over 30 internet tabs opened at once), you definitely need at least 8GB RAM. </p> <p><strong>Hard Drive</strong></p> <p>Hard Drive is your computers long term memory. This is where all your computer information is stored.</p> <p>Think of the hard drive like your stomach. How much food can you fit in?</p> <p>The larger the hard drive, the more information it stores! (The bigger your stomach, the more food you can fit in!)</p> <p>If you are someone who loves photos and storing photos... you definitely need a bigger hard drive.</p> <p>You can buy computers with SSD (solid state) or HDD (hard disk drive).</p> <p>Both types do the same job. Generally speaking, SSD drives are faster than HDD and more expensive in terms of dollar per gigabyte.</p> <p>Example: A computer with SSD drive will boot up in less than one minute (often in seconds), whereas a computer with HDD drive will require time to speed up to operate and be slower than SSD during normal use.</p> <p><strong>The look and feel</strong></p> <p>Lastly, you need to enjoy using your computer or laptop so aesthetics can be important.</p> <p>Choose a device that you like the look/size of!</p> <p>Hope you found this tip helpful when choosing your next computer!</p>

Technology

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How to outsmart the scammers

<p>Our lives are literally now stored on our smartphones.</p> <p>As convenient as mobile technology is, it does leave us vulnerable.</p> <p>Common scams include:</p> <ul> <li>Hoax messages that prompt you to reveal personal information;</li> <li>Malware that if inadvertently downloaded can track your web surfing and keystrokes;</li> <li>Fake phone surveys to trick you into divulging personal details;</li> <li>Website scams designed to trap lots of people;</li> <li>Phone porting, where criminals switch your phone to another network to gain access to your calls and messages.</li> </ul> <p>So be sure to heed these simplified tips to protect the valuable data on your various devices.</p> <p><strong>1. Get cagey</strong></p> <p>Set your smartphone and tablet - mobile devices in particular - to lock. Then keep the pass codes secret. The same goes with net banking passwords and, whatever you do, don't make these the same as your device-unlock Pin or store them in a device that can be used for bank access.</p> <p>Your sim needs a Pin too.</p> <p>All of the above Pins and codes need to be difficult to guess, including by someone with access to other details about you.</p> <p>Don't send any personal, Pin or account information by text either. This can be easily intercepted and might provide all that's needed for a fraudster to steal your identity.</p> <p><strong>2. Get clingy</strong></p> <p>Be really careful about the physical location of your digital device. Do you know where it is at all times? Is it secure? Are you sure no-one is watching your activities over your shoulder?</p> <p>And - this one might not have even occurred to you - always delete any bank text messages, especially before lending your phone, discarding it or selling it.</p> <p>You also need to alert your bank as soon as possible after unauthorised activity or if you lose or have a device stolen (and providing your new mobile number will be vital if your bank does use SMS to authenticate transactions).</p> <p><strong>3. Get cluey</strong></p> <p>You would be unlikely to leave your home computer without a firewall and antivirus protection so, if you can get it, why would you do that to your tablet and smartphone?</p> <p>Keep the software up to date too, because criminals constantly try to outsmart the defensive technology. Then make sure any financial apps are the real deal and download them only from official app stores. Some free downloads, programs, software and screensavers can hide malware.</p> <p>Don't conduct any banking using unsecured wi-fi networks or on non-standard devices.</p> <p>In terms of protecting data you share, read the privacy policies - those behind the "Do you agree to the terms and conditions?" box - before providing personal information. Are you really willing to accept how and for how long your details will be used?</p> <p>It's also worth making special mention here of one of the most successful fraud techniques: the pull-at-the-heart-strings email. Any such communication, no matter how desperate, worthy or impressive the backstory, or how generous the financial scenario, is geared at emptying your bank account.</p> <p>You should be incredibly sceptical of any unsolicited offer that seems too good to be true.</p> <p>Remember, too, that banks do not email web page links and request your confidential details - scamsters do.</p> <p><strong>4. Get clear</strong></p> <p>Some mobile devices store copies of web pages, which could include banking information, so regularly clear your browser's cache (in settings). Always log out of net banking sessions.</p> <p>And my personal two cents - perhaps don't use your smartphone for all your photos and footage.</p> <p>Have you ever fallen victim to a scam?</p>

Legal

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6 ways to outsmart your supermarket on price

<p>A lot of time, money, research and planning goes into the setup of supermarket chains. Odds are your local Countdown, New World or Pak'N Save has a number of design features designed to tempt you into making unnecessary purchases and impulse buys.</p> <p>The good news is with a bit of foresight and willpower you can come out on top. Here are six ways you can outsmart your supermarket and leave with more in your hip pocket.</p> <p><strong>1. Shop with a basket, instead of a trolley </strong></p> <p>Larger supermarket trolleys have been found to subconsciously encourage customers to buy more. By shopping with a basket instead of a trolley you won’t be able to fit as much in, and therefore be more discerning when making purchases.</p> <p><strong>2. Start your shop in the middle of the store</strong></p> <p>Bring colours and tempting smells in the bakery or produce section (generally located at the front of the store) can tempt you into buying more. Instead, start your shop in the middle of the store with the less vibrant foods that’s boxed and canned.</p> <p><strong>3. Buy in bulk (but only after doing the math)</strong></p> <p>Buying certain items in bulk can end up saving you a lot of money, so if there’s a sale on offer (especially when it comes to food that can be preserved) make sure you take advantage of it. Before you make the purchase however, make sure you do a little bit of math (even if it’s just running the sums on your phone calculator) to make sure it’s worth your while.</p> <p><strong>4. Generic products</strong></p> <p>Many generic brands have no discernible difference to their comparative brand named products and can offer big savings over time.</p> <p><strong>5. Always pay for your groceries in cash</strong></p> <p>Withdrawing money before you enter the shop (just enough cash to cover your list) makes impulse buys impossible and is the best way to ensure you stick to your budget.</p> <p><strong>6. Never (ever) shop hungry</strong></p> <p>You’ve probably heard this one dozens of times before, but it makes a lot of sense. Shopping hungry will make every packaged morsel seem intensely appealing and dramatically increase the likelihood of you making an unnecessary impulse buy.</p> <p>Do you agree with these tips? How do you make sure you don’t end up spending too much money in the supermarket? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear from you.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/09/6-clever-ways-to-save-money-at-home-in-spring/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>6 clever ways to save money at home in spring</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/09/hilarious-customer-complaints-and-their-responses/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>12 of the most hilarious customer complaints</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/how-to-encourage-kids-to-love-cooking/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>5 reasons why it’s important to let kids loose in the kitchen</strong></em></span></a></p>

Money & Banking