3 common banking scams and how to avoid them

3 common banking scams and how to avoid them
According to data by the Federal Trade Commission, banking scams have increased by 70% between 2020 and 2021. Although bank security and technology have been rapidly evolving to keep accounts safe, this unprecedented rise in crimes is a matter of concern. Staying aware of some frequently reported frauds can help one steer clear of them and keep their money safe. Here are three of the most common banking scams and how to avoid them. Phishing scams Unfortunately, with the boom in online banking, there has also been a rise in online phishing scams. Here, the scammer sends a message or an email that looks like it is from the bank. These messages ask for immediate action and dangle the threat of account closure. They may also include a link to a website designed to look like the bank’s official website, but it is actually a front for gaining access to one’s account information. With access to this information, scammers and fraudsters can withdraw funds from any account. To avoid these scams, individuals must exercise extreme caution when opening messages received from unknown sources. If in doubt, double-check with the bank before clicking on any links. Automatic debit scams When scammers gain access to one’s banking information (including the account and routing number), they can set up routine, automatic payments to themselves in the same way that payments for subscription services are debited.

Tap water side effects and benefits of a water purifier

Tap water side effects and benefits of a water purifier
Tap water, while safe, is not the recommended source of drinking water, according to studies. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the drinking water regulations in the country. According to the EPA, anything other than water molecules is considered a contaminant. However, some of these contaminants are safe at certain levels. This article discusses the safety of tap water for drinking, its side effects, and a few reasons why a water purifier is needed. Possible contaminants in tap water Some chemical compounds that could make their way into tap water include industrial runoff, pesticides, lead, mercury, and even arsenic. Other contaminants include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. There could also be contaminants from human-made nuclear waste and uranium or radium deposits in the ground. Side effects of drinking tap water Arsenic can cause partial paralysis, blindness, discoloration of the skin, vomiting, numbness in hands and feet, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Chlorine can cause chronic cough, chest tightness, airway irritation, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. Fluoride may cause severe skeletal problems and also fluorosis. Pesticides can develop extreme weakness, headaches, allergic sensitization, and also eye and skin irritation. Bacteria like E.coli can affect the stomach, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, and nausea.

5 easy steps to make a successful VA loan application

5 easy steps to make a successful VA loan application
Veterans or those on active duty can avail of VA loans for any financing purposes. The federal government guarantees these loans. However, to get them, there are specific steps to be followed for successful application. These steps include everything from looking for the best VA loan lenders to maintaining a stable credit score. Here are a few easy steps to make a successful loan application for veterans. 1. Get preapproval for the VA loan With preapproval, you can determine your budget. This process involves telling your VA loan lender about your homebuying goals, employment history, and military service. Some documents required during this process include copies of your driver’s license, DD-214 or Guard/Reserve points statements, recent pay stubs, and bank statements. 2. Look for VA-approved loan lenders Always shop for a lender who is an active participant in the VA loan program. The best VA loan lenders would offer several options and deals. The deals generally differ based on discount points, interest rates, and VA closing costs. If you face any difficulty, a loan officer can help you find the right VA loan lender. 3. Get an eligibility certificate A certificate of eligibility or COE is proof that you have met all the eligibility criteria for the VA loan.

Shopify’s Plans, Deals, Pricing, and Features Explained

Shopify’s Plans, Deals, Pricing, and Features Explained
There are many e-commerce websites available on the web that let entrepreneurs create their online stores without the help of web developers or coders. One of the well-known and trusted websites is Shopify. It was started in 2006 and has become one of the largest e-commerce platforms with 800,000 online stores, 3,000 employees, and $63 billion in revenue. Let’s understand Shopify deals and features in detail. Shopify deals and plans On Shopify, entrepreneurs can set up their store without entering their payment details but only for the first 14 days. They offer a 10 percent discount on annual plans and 20 percent on biennial when paid upfront. There are three main types of Shopify deals and plans – Basic Shopify Plan, Shopify Plan, and Shopify Advanced Plan. Additionally, a Shopify Lite deal costs $9 per month and gives access to an embedded “Buy Button.” You can issue gift cards, view reports but can’t build an online store. The Basic Shopify Plan costs $29 per month. In this deal, sellers can list unlimited products, get better access to sale trends, and have lower transaction fees. The Shopify Plan sellers have access to features such as professional reports and international pricing. The plan is priced at $79 per month.

3 common mistakes parents must avoid during babycare

3 common mistakes parents must avoid during babycare
Babies bring unimaginable joy and warmth into their parents’ lives. However, raising a baby is just as physically and emotionally draining as rewarding for parents, especially first-timers. All parents make certain mistakes while caring for their babies, no matter how much time they dedicate to their precious bundle of happiness. There’s no shame in making errors during baby care if parents can correct them. Some common mistakes are listed below. Not letting the baby cry it out A common misconception many parents may have about infants, especially newborns, is that their crying translates to hunger, irritation, or pain. Parents tend to believe that their mistakes are making their baby cry. Babies cry because it is just what they do. A baby can be adequately fed and diapered, and they may still cry for no reason. When it comes to newborn babies, crying is a sign of breathing. However, if a baby cries continuously for an hour, then the parents will need to visit their local pediatrician to get them checked for a rash, a swollen belly, a fever, or other health conditions. However, by and large, a crying baby is not a sign of trouble. Ignoring oral care This oversight from parents can become problematic for their child’s oral health later on.

5 smartphone browsing mistakes that may expose passwords

5 smartphone browsing mistakes that may expose passwords
The use of smartphones, including other technology, has become an integral part of our daily life. Like most smart technology, these smartphones help us carry out business-oriented tasks and offer entertaining and informative content. However, considering the growing number of spurious websites, our smartphone data, such as passwords and other important data are often at risk of theft. So here are five common mistakes to avoid while surfing the internet to safeguard sensitive credentials. Opening unverified links Many websites often ask users to click links to download a free song, movie, or other content they would otherwise have to pay for. Clicking on links that are not verified may lead to installing viruses on your smartphone. These viruses can leech sensitive information from your device, compromising factors like the password. Outdated browser software Hackers will always look for loopholes in a device’s software to steal vital information. This is why smartphone and browser manufacturers roll out over-the-air updates to ensure the devices are safe from such individuals. Therefore, not updating the software may lead to password theft when one accesses such websites. Allowing cookies every time Cookies are files created on the computer whenever a user visits a website. These files store information that must be available during each session.

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Top 4 Dyson vacuum cleaners of 2021

Top 4 Dyson vacuum cleaners of 2021

Dyson is a brand that has developed and launched several cordless vacuum cleaners significantly better than its competitors. But because there are so many different models from the renowned brand, it becomes challenging to pick the right one. So we’ve put together a list of four top-of-the-line, cordless vacuums from Dyson available on Amazon to help narrow down on one that best suits your needs. Dyson V15 Detect The Dyson V15 Detect is equipped with unbelievable suction power, run time, and other features to deep clean an entire home. It also comes with a laser that can reveal microscopic dust particles. One of Dyson’s latest cordless vacuum cleaners, the V15 Detect, sports an LCD screen that displays proof of the deep clean. You can find this product for $899.99 today. Dyson V11 Torque Drive While it is a predecessor to the Dyson V15, Dyson V11 Torque Drive was the earlier champion of Dyson’s range of cordless vacuum cleaners. At $757.95, the V11 can automatically adapt power and run times based on the structure of your home. It also offers 5 Dyson engineered tools to help with cleaning the house and even the car. The Dyson V11 Torque Drive features include its ability to pick up pet hair, which is an amazing positive if you have a pet at home.
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Top 5 lipsticks of 2021

Top 5 lipsticks of 2021

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a makeup queen or one that wears only the bare minimum, you can never leave out lipsticks. In fact, most of us always carry our favorite lipstick wherever we go. Nonetheless, if you haven’t found “the one” or are looking for different shades, here are the five best lipsticks you need to check out. Charlotte Tilbury K.i.s.s.i.n.g. Lipstick This product is all you need for luminous, bold, and perfect lips. Its wax formula makes the lipstick glide on your lips while keeping them hydrated. It is infused with natural ingredients that help fight UV damage and oxidative stress, leaving your lips supple and soft. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick With its unique arrow-shaped applicator, applying lipstick becomes almost effortless. It lasts for up to 16 hours and is available in over 35 amazing colors. This bold matte lipstick can be removed seamlessly using Maybelline’s SuperStay Eraser lipstick remover. It is available in various online and offline stores for only $9.49. L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick This $6 lipstick is surprisingly one of the best ones out of the lot. It is affordable and comes in over 52 fabulous shades across four color families – red, berry, pink and nude.
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