I cleaned out a cabinet a few years ago and found a stack of old Super 8 tapes. I’ll never forget the way Mom’s face lit up after I digitized videos of her late brother Harold Jr.’s wedding. Tragically, he died in a car accident a week after his wedding day.

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Memories like those are precious, but when was the last time you watched your old family videos? If they’re on VHS, it can be a pain. Even worse, every year that goes by, those tapes degrade just a little more.

Satish from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, called my national radio show for help digitizing old tapes, and I figured he wasn’t the only one.

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Go the DIY route

To convert your VHS tapes to digital, you’ll need a VCR or VHS camcorder. If you don’t have one, try eBay, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace or another local sales platform. You’ll also need to transfer your VHS recordings in real time, so set aside a few hours, if you can.

After that, you’ve really got two options:

Option 1: Get a converter like this option from Elgato that digitizes video onto a computer. Plug it into your USB port, then connect your analog video source (VCR, DVD player, DVR or camcorder) using the included cables. The software bundled with your converter will guide you through the process.

Option 2: Try a handheld video-to-digital converter. You don’t need to use a computer or any software. Connect it to your video source, and insert a USB drive or SD card into the converter. Hit the “Record” button and watch your movies get digitized in real time on the LCD screen. Sweet!

Have someone do it for you

Costco, Walgreens and Walmart all convert tapes, with prices starting around $20 a pop. Not bad. They’ll take VHS footage and put it on a DVD for you, and they’ll give you a digital copy, too.

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You can also try a service that specializes in this stuff. They’re more expensive for sure.

• iMemories: Starts at $29.99 per VHS tape.
• Legacybox: Starts at $60; the starter pack includes up to two tapes or 50 photos. (Score, I just spotted a 50% off sale on their website!)
• Capture: Starts at $29.99 per tape.

Getting this all done takes time

It helps to do it in baby steps. Gather your tapes, get the gear you need, or figure out the service you want to use. I put old digitized videos up on YouTube with a private link. This way, I can share that link with family and friends. 

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Bonus: Don’t forget old photos

I’ve scanned a lot of pics in my day, but I love this quick and easy method when you want to digitize a print that’s hung in someone’s house.

Google’s PhotoScan is a free app for iOS and Android that scans your photos multiple times, then stitches all the images together to remove glare and improve the final quality. The app works on matte and gloss prints and photos inside or outside albums.

VHS tapes aren’t the only thing you should digitize – there are apps that allow you to near-effortlessly scan old photos as well. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

Here’s how it works: Snap one image, then take four additional shots according to the app’s instructions. PhotoScan uses an algorithm to detect and crop the photo, automatically detect the edge, correct the rotation, and correct the perspective to show a frontal view.

• Open the PhotoScan app and hold your phone above a photo.
• Tap the capture button to take pictures, which will save to your device.
• Move your phone around to get the circle over each of the four dots.
• After the photo is processed, tap the photo thumbnail.
• Select a photo to rotate, adjust the corners or delete.

You can then use Google Photos to store and organize your scans. From there, you can edit your images and share them with others. So simple!

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Apple has announced the date of its next big event: September 9th, 2024, at 1PM ET / 10AM PT. The event will take place at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park.

During the show, the company is expected to launch the iPhone 16 lineup. The big change to the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is expected to be a switch to a vertically aligned camera system on the back. (If the final phones look like what we’ve seen on iPhone 16 dummy units, I’m already a big fan of this change.) The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max phones might get bigger screens but are rumored to keep Apple’s familiar three-camera layout. Those phones could also come in a new bronze color.

All four iPhone 16 models are expected to have the Action Button, which was exclusive to the Pro line with the iPhone 15. Apple’s new iPhones may also have a new button dedicated to capturing photos and videos, but it’s unclear if that will be a Pro-exclusive feature or will be available on the regular iPhone 16 models as well.

AI and the company’s Apple Intelligence features will likely be a big part of Apple’s event, too. Right now, the only iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence are the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, but the full iPhone 16 lineup is rumored to be able to use Apple Intelligence. (Well, when Apple Intelligence is actually available, that is.)

Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful experience. As you prepare for this significant life change, it’s crucial to be aware of potential pitfalls, particularly when it comes to choosing a moving company.

Unfortunately, moving scams are more common than you might think, and they can turn your exciting relocation into a nightmare. Understanding the risks and taking precautions can protect yourself and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

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The alarming reality of moving scams

Moving scams remain a significant problem, particularly during the peak moving season from May to August. In 2023, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) received 5,918 complaints against moving companies. Consumers who fell victim to moving scams and reported them to BBB Scam Tracker in 2023 lost a median of $350.

A mover lifting a moving box (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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6 types of moving scams

Scammers have developed various tactics to take advantage of unsuspecting movers. Being aware of these common scams can help you stay vigilant and protect yourself:

1) Stolen belongings: Movers disappear with your property after loading the truck.

2) False quote: Movers demand more money on moving day, claiming unexpected circumstances.

3) Non-refundable deposit: Scammers take a deposit and never show up.

4) No-shows: Movers fail to appear after taking a large up-front payment.

5) Last-minute changes and charges: Unexpected fees for additional labor or supplies

6) Hostage load: Movers demand more money after loading your belongings, refusing to unload until paid.

A mover loading a moving truck (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Warning signs of a moving scam

Recognizing red flags early can save you from falling victim to a moving scam. Here are some key warning signs to watch out for:

• There is no physical address on the website
• No U.S. DOT number. A U.S. DOT number is a unique identifier assigned by the Department of Transportation to commercial vehicles and moving companies. It helps track safety records and ensures the company is registered and follows regulations. If a moving company doesn’t have a U.S. DOT number, it could be a sign that they are not legitimate or properly regulated, which is a red flag for a potential scam.
• Estimates are given over the phone instead of in person or via video walk-through.
• Movers arrive in rented trucks instead of company-branded vehicles.
• Requests to sign blank or incomplete forms

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A mover moving boxes (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to protect yourself

Taking proactive steps to safeguard your move is essential. Here are some strategies to help you avoid becoming a victim of a moving scam:

Research thoroughly: Use resources like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) database, ATA MSC’s ProMover directory and BBB profiles

Get multiple in-home estimates: Obtain at least three estimates and be wary of significantly lower quotes

Keep a paper trail: Get everything in writing, including estimates, inventory, order of service and the bill of lading

Inventory your belongings: Make a detailed list and take time-stamped photos or videos

Use a credit card for payment: Avoid cash, gift cards or cash transfer apps

Supervise the move: Be present during loading and unloading or have a trusted representative

Use tracking devices: Consider using Apple AirTags or similar Bluetooth trackers to monitor your property during the move

Understand your rights: Review the FMCSA’s booklet on estimates, invoices and liability for loss or damage.

Verify the company: Ensure they have a physical address, U.S. DOT number and proper licensing.

Be cautious of large up-front payments: While deposits are standard, be wary of requests for large sums before moving day.

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A mover taping a moving box (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

If you’ve been scammed

You may still fall victim to a moving scam despite your best efforts. If this happens, it’s important to act quickly and know your options for recourse:

1) File a complaint with the FMCSA online or via their hotline (888-368-7238)

2) Report to the U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General online or via hotline (800-424-9071)

3) Submit a report to the BBB’s Scam Tracker

4) Notify your state’s attorney general or consumer protection office

5) Contact local police if items or money have been stolen

A couple carrying moving boxes (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Moving can be a stressful experience, and the threat of scams adds an extra layer of concern. However, staying informed and taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to moving fraud. Following the guidelines outlined in this article and maintaining a cautious approach can ensure a smoother, safer moving experience. Remember, investing time in selecting a reputable mover is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your belongings during this significant life transition.

What additional precautions or resources do you think are necessary to further protect people from moving scams? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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