The Current powered by Kim Komando

Abandoned kitten! Pup caught in a gate! Those dramatic rescue videos? Many are staged just for clicks. We’re breaking that down, plus Verizon’s outage silence, Google slipping ads next to AI summaries, and the season’s hottest travel trends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Robert Epstein says Google’s algorithms may be secretly swaying elections — by ranking biased results, steering search queries, and sending targeted voting reminders. I talk to him, and he breaks down his eye-opening research on how search engines might be reshaping our democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You spit in a tube, and now 23andMe is thinking of selling your data after a massive hack tanked their value. So much for learning your ancestry. Meanwhile, Gen Z is going #desperate on LinkedIn, and Mazda’s charging $10 just to use remote start. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

True-crime podcaster Payne Lindsey, creator of Up and Vanished, was all set to fly to Nome for his latest investigation but bailed at the last minute. He didn’t tell anyone, yet somehow rumors started swirling on social media that he was there. Payne joins us to break it down, plus we’re talking Verizon outages, a couple blocked from suing Uber, and leaked MrBeast "founder mode" documents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You won't believe how powerful scanning one of these malicious QR codes is. Plus, the app that turned into a marketing nightmare, three must-have downloads and OpenAI's duet shows just how far language models are coming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Younger people are turning to AI chatbots, TikTok and Reddit for answers instead. Gen-Z is also sticking with older cars to avoid new tech and high costs. Plus, Chipotle is using robots for avocado prep, and we’ll show you how to turn your smart TV into a photo frame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gen Z grads are getting the axe — 6 in 10 employers have already let them go. Plus, a massive security breach exposed the private info of millions. Find out how one guy spent $1K on Facebook Ads to find love and about a new law that could change your car radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

$285 million in crypto — gone. Two hackers stole over 4,100 Bitcoin from a billionaire, but they didn’t get away with it. Plus, tips for using Perplexity AI, a shocking Titan submersible update, and a fantasy football fan caught sending fake threats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well, kinda... Hollywood is spending millions to resurrect the likeness of screen legends like Judy Garland with AI. Creepy or fine? Plus, YouTube’s new pause ads, why to skip the blue light filter, and a warning for iPad Pro owners: iOS 18 is bricking devices! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you a speed racer? You're being watched. Major car companies are watching how you drive and selling your data to third-party brokers. Plus, discover secret codes to protect your family from scams and why the FCC is cracking down on illegal jammers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you behaving badly? Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison predicts that AI will soon keep you in line. In other news: MoviePass fraud exposed, Snapchat uses your face for ads, and the story behind the viral 'Hawk Tuah' girl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul emailed me about a $39,500 invoice, demanding I pay up ASAP. The problem? I didn’t owe him a cent. Plus, AI is eyeing 60 million jobs, Gen Z is trauma dumping on TikTok, and a woman was rescued after falling 60 feet off a mountain thanks to her navigation app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Your spouse is cheating on you.” That’s the shocking line behind a new sextortion scam. The message includes a link claiming to offer “proof,” but it’s a trap to get you to click. Plus, Gen Z is moving away from Google, and strange science wins big at the Ig Nobel awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A tragic shooting at Apalachee High in Winder, Georgia, left four dead and nine injured. It may have been worse without a new safety system — teachers used a digital panic button to save lives. Plus, Amazon Alexa loses billions, Taylor Swift surveillance, and FB censors opinions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode discusses suicide. If you're struggling, reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You're not alone. Last year, Brett Allred’s world shattered when his 23-year-old son, Riley, took his own life. While searching Riley’s phone for memories, Brett found screenshots of a website with step-by-step instructions on how to die. Now, he's on a mission to shut it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money-saving guru Clark Howard is here, sharing his top-secret strategies to land the cheapest flights imaginable — and trust me, the airlines do not want you knowing these tricks. We talk about clever booking hacks, algorithms, hidden deals, and the perfect time to strike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some Amazon drivers say they can’t even hum along to their favorite tunes. And NFL fans, want to watch every game this season? Be ready to cough up $2,500! Plus, cellphone bans in classrooms and an illegal Navy Wi-Fi dish on a warship! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Streaming was supposed to be ad-free, but now ads are sneaking into paid plans, and free ones are packed with them. What happened? Plus, is Facebook listening through your phone? I'll cover that, how tech is making us lonelier, and the latest AI threat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At least one media group gathers info from conversations and uses it for targeted ads. Plus, a new sextortion scam tactic, Amazon's "Just Walk Out" tech hits more NFL stadiums, and police are towing Teslas from crime scenes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They're using these routers for denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and spamming inboxes. Meanwhile, a man’s been cyberstalked by a former roommate — nightmare stuff. Plus, Microsoft got hacked, and OpenAI is launching a search engine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Linda Lightman started by selling her kids' video games on eBay in the ’90s. Today, she operates a 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse with a dedicated team, all thanks to her eBay success. Plus, updates on Apple’s AI developments and tax credits for EVs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using bots to boost social media followers and influence is off the table, too. Disney+ adds Hulu shows, sparking parental outrage. Plus, Waymo horror stories, Facebook rental scams, and tips for your next mechanic visit. And Earl from Chicago needs wedding help for his daughter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can artificial intelligence make healthcare faster, cheaper, and more convenient? Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., believes it can transform the medical landscape. From AI-powered diagnostics to driving down drug prices and providing free wearable tech for everyone, AI has the potential to overhaul the way we experience healthcare. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark your calendars! The iPhone 16 is dropping this September. Also, Telegram’s CEO gets arrested in France — authorities say he didn’t do enough to stop shady stuff on the app. Plus, Amazon Echo fails and fake election maps going viral. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A guy tried getting ChatGPT elected as the mayor of Cheyenne, Wyoming, but voters shut that down fast. Google secretly scraped $5 billion worth of data, moped thieves stealing AirPods Max, and Chick-fil-A is launching a streaming platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How secure is your home or business? ADT just revealed a data breach but is keeping quiet about the timing and details of what was stolen. Plus, the risks of storing cash in Cash App, AI classes for seniors, and a crucial Amazon Echo security setting you should check. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

YouTuber Antenna Man is opening up about being a victim of the Agridime Ponzi scheme. He hopes others don't fall into the same trap. Plus, a woman tracks down a thief with an AirTag, and someone hacks a guy’s Bluetooth headphones — creepy stuff! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal officials are raising red flags over TP-Link, warning their products might be linked to Chinese espionage. Plus, Redbox files for bankruptcy, Taylor Swift drops cassettes, and Apple’s next iPhone features AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Officials flagged sandals with 11 times the legal lead limit! Google’s forcing your site to train its AI if you want it searchable. Plus, the FTC is cracking down on fake reviews, and a hack to find cheap flights online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A judge ruled Google illegally built and maintained a monopoly in online search by paying to be the default on smartphones. Plus, a website flaw puts democracy at risk, scammers hit the skies, and why wrapping your keys in tin foil could save you trouble. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hackers leaked 2.7 billion records from National Public Data, including SSNs. What does this mean for you? Plus, dynamic pricing at grocery stores, Google's new game-changing updates, and Ford's latest 'do not drive' alert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unlike the money in your bank, you can lose your funds sitting in these apps. Plus, a hacker found thousands of big biz secrets, a new Amazon scam is spreading, and ChatGPT teases a search engine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One guy ditched his $75K gig after making more on JustAnswers. Plus, a mom’s nightmare: her 5-year-old’s bedroom cam was hacked. Apple’s throwing shade at Bing, AI robot dentists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk's Tesla has reported over 1,200 autopilot crashes in the past three years. Also, look out for foreign nations spreading misinformation on social media, fake reviews targeting restaurants, and the rise of restaurant robots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last year, four NASA volunteers entered a Mars simulation in Houston. They just came out out isolation. Dr. Nathan Jones, the Crew Medical Officer of the mission, tells us what it was like. Plus, how to claim your Cash App settlement, and a Facebook missing person scam. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scammers have a new trick up their sleeves, and Kitboga is here to break it down for us! Plus, Duolingo's mean streak, the U.S. House has banned ByteDance apps, and Meta is planning to open-source its latest AI model. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new iPhone feature can make a copy of your voice. Could scammers use it for deepfakes? A German company will freeze your body for over $200,000, hoping to bring you back to life later. Plus, Taco Bell brings AI to the drive-thru, and be wary of fake Facebook stores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazon sold Echos below cost, hoping for more Alexa shopping. Spoiler: it didn’t work. Venmo transactions aren't private, and how your 'digital twin' could save your life. Also, Phil from Indiana isn't happy about his ex-wife FaceTiming their kids at his place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talk to Darius from Incogni, who tells us how you can remove your personal data from the internet. Plus, a family claims an Amazon driver stole their cat, people are yelling a lot at Siri, and there's a new sober dating app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a massive cyberfraud industry exploiting people through slavery and kidnappings. If you've got a connected car, your data might be sold for pennies. Plus, we meet Ben Chin, the Candy Crush champ who beat 15 million players to win $500,000! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

His channel has more than 300 million subscribers, making him the most subscribed YouTuber in the world. What’s the key to his meteoric rise? Plus, X allows porn, don’t try this castor oil TikTok trend, and watch out for the latest scammer tricks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An AI algorithm called VGGFace2 can accurately guess if you're conservative or liberal with just a single pic. Smartphones in school? Teachers are pushing back with cell phone bans. Plus, Dawn from Atlanta thinks she's being cyberstalked, and I help her look for clues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul and Rachelle Baron own Beau & Belle Littles, a once thriving swim diaper business. But when Amazon resold a returned diaper as "new," a one-star review flagged by more than 100 buyers left them $600,000 in debt. Plus, CrowdStrike trouble continues, web searches are changing, and a remote worker turned out to be a North Korean spy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guy Kawasaki, host of the “Remarkable People” podcast, has a new book, “Think Remarkable,” that you’ve got to check out. Plus, there’s a new AI danger lurking at work, the death of ad-free streaming, and why you're still getting scam calls. Feeling lonely? Everyone’s connected, yet isolation is at record levels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A software update by CrowdStrike took down tons of computer systems around the world. Banks, businesses, hospitals, and more were all impacted. Plus, Amazon Prime Day updates and Zoom's demand for a return to the office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cyber crooks are hiding behind legitimate-looking political messages to lead you to dangerous websites. I also get into online job scams, five signs your phone might be tapped, and how to rent a pool for your summer vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She says it started with a pop-up on her computer. Relationship expert Amy Chan joins us to talk about online dating and crafting the perfect profile. Plus, a kid's stink that ruined a family business, the side hustle black market, and a major Life360 data leak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It started smoking inside a passenger's bag. Plus, the RiteAid hack, and AT&T data breach. We also talk to Elliston Berry and Anna McAdams, a mother-daughter team fighting deepfake revenge porn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

His brain-chip implant lets him control computers and other devices with his mind. Kim Komando talks to Noland about why he got it and how it works. What could this tech mean for the future? He shares his ideas and hopes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Automakers and insurance companies are teaming up to share data on your driving habits. Also, EV sales are struggling, and there are issues with Airbnb. I speak with a guy whose identity was stolen, and now the scammer is using his info to con others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices