Technology

First 15 things to do or try first when you get a new iPhone

Published

1 year ago

January 14, 2025

First 15 things to do or try first when you get a new iPhone

Apple announces new iPhones every year, and I often wonder if that’s truly necessary. A launch every two years seems more reasonable, especially since the new iPhones are often only marginally better than the ones released the year before. This has been the case since the iPhone 12.

However, in 2024, Apple introduced a range of interesting features with the iPhone 16. While these features don’t necessarily justify an upgrade if you already own the iPhone 15 or even the iPhone 14, they make the iPhone 16 a worthy purchase if you’re using an older model or an Android phone.

If you’ve already made the purchase, or if you’ve bought another iPhone, here are the first things you should do and try when you fire up your new phone. (First things to do if you got a new Android)

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iPhone packaging (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

1) How to update your software to iOS 18.2 or later

First things first, let’s update your software to iOS 18.2 or later:

Open Settings
Tap General
Select Software Update
Tap Update Now
Enter your passcode and agree to terms
Wait for the installation to complete

Steps to update your iPhone’s software (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR IPHONE, IPAD FROM MALWARE

2) How to add a passcode or biometric authentication

To add a passcode or biometric authentication to your new iPhone after updating to iOS 18.2 or later, follow these steps:

Setting up a passcode

Open Settings on your iPhone
Tap on Face ID & Passcode (for iPhone X and later) or Touch ID & Passcode (for earlier models)
Tap Turn Passcode On
Enter a six-digit passcode. If you prefer, tap Passcode Options to choose a four-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code or a custom alphanumeric code.
Re-enter your passcode to confirm it and activate it

Setting up biometric authentication

For Face ID:

Go to Settings
Tap on Face ID & Passcode
Enter your passcode, if prompted
Tap on Set Up Face ID
Hold your device in portrait orientation and position your face in front of the device, then tap Get Started.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup

Face ID & Passcode on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

IS IT TIME FOR ME TO UPGRADE TO NEW IPHONE?

3) Setting up Apple ID and iCloud

Create or sign in to Apple ID:

Open the Settings app
Tap on Sign in to your iPhone at the top
If you don’t have an Apple ID, select Don’t have an Apple ID or forgot it? and follow the prompts to create one.
If you have an Apple ID, enter your credentials and sign in.

Enable iCloud:

After signing in, go back to Settings
Tap on your name at the top, then select iCloud
Choose which services you want to enable (e.g., Photos, Contacts, Calendars)
Tap iCloud Backup and toggle it on to automatically back up your data.

Create a Free Apple Account on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MUST TURN-OFF PRIVACY SETTINGS ON YOUR IPHONE

4) Personalizing settings on iPhone

Customize Display:

Open Settings
Then go to Display & Brightness
Tap Light or Dark for the background you’d like
You can tap on Text Size to adjust text size
Then use the slider to adjust the brightness you prefer.

How to personalize your iPhone’s display and brightness (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Customize sound preferences:

Tap on Sounds & Haptics
Adjust the slider where it says Ringtone and alerts to customize from quieter to louder.
Scroll down and tap the following to adjust the sounds for each: Ringtone, Text Tone, New Voicemail, New Mail, Sent Mail, Calendar Alerts and Reminder Alerts.

Steps to change your iPhone’s sounds and haptics (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

5) Configuring privacy settings

Manage Privacy Settings:

Go to Settings
Scroll down and click apps
Select the app you want to review the privacy settings for
Adjust the permissions as needed for location services, camera, microphone, allow tracking and other settings. Adjust as necessary for individual apps.

6) Pick your own lock screen shortcuts

By default in iOS 18, you get flashlight and camera shortcuts on the lock screen, but now you can finally customize them.

Long-press on the Lock Screen
Tap Customize
Then choose Lock Screen
You can tap on the existing shortcuts to change them to your preferred apps or features by selecting the desired app or feature from the list that appears.
If you prefer, you can remove them entirely to keep your lock screen clean and simple by tapping the delete or remove option next to the shortcut.

Steps to customize your iPhone’s lock screen (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

7) Setting up Family Sharing

Here’s how to enable Family Sharing on your iPhone:

Open your Settings app
Tap your name
Go to Family Sharing
Set Up Your Family
Press Continue
Select family members that you want to invite
To create an account for a child, select Create Child Account at the bottom and provide their name and birthday.

8) Download some useful apps

There are millions of apps available, such as Apple Maps, Google Maps and even apps to plan a party in the App Store. To download useful apps on your new iPhone, follow these straightforward steps:

Locate the App Store icon on your home screen and tap to open it.
You can explore various categories by tapping on Apps at the bottom of the screen or using the Search tab to find specific apps.
Once you find an app you want, tap on it to view more details, including descriptions, ratings and screenshots.
Tap the Get button (or the price if it’s a paid app) next to the app you wish to download.
If prompted, authenticate your download using Face ID, Touch ID or your Apple ID password.
The app will begin downloading and installing automatically. You can monitor its progress on your home screen.
Once installed, the app will appear on your home screen.
Tap its icon to open and start using it.
You can press and hold any app icon until they start wiggling, allowing you to drag them into folders or rearrange their positions.

Image of the App Store icon on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

9) Activate spam filters for text messages

Having a strong spam filter on your iPhone is beneficial to protect yourself from unwanted text messages and scams. But beware that this may also filter out some legitimate messages from people who are not in your contacts list.

Open Settings
Scroll down and tap on Apps
Then, scroll down and tap on Messages
Toggle on Filter Unknown Senders to filter text messages from unknown contacts into a separate list

Steps to activate filters for text messages (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

10) Use visual intelligence

On all iPhone 16 models, you can use Camera Control with visual intelligence to quickly learn more about the stuff around you. Just press and hold the Camera Control, which is a new button on the right side of the device, and you can do things like look up info about a restaurant or business, translate text, get a summary, have it read out loud and more.

You can even use it to find details about a business, like its hours, services and contact info. Depending on the place, you might also be able to check reviews, make a reservation or order for delivery.

To use this feature, point your iPhone camera at the business in front of you, then press and hold the Camera Control. Next, either tap the Camera Control again or select the business name at the top of the screen. Depending on the business, you can:

View the hours of operation by tapping Schedule
Place a delivery order by tapping Order
Browse the menu or available services by tapping Menu
Make a reservation by tapping Reserve
To call the business, visit its website or access other options, tap the More button.

iPhone using visual intelligence (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO SCHEDULE FREE SESSION WITH APPLE SUPPORT

11) Log how you’re feeling

Apple made several changes to the iPhones with its iOS 18 update, including updates to the Journal app. You don’t need the latest iPhone 16 to try the app’s mindfulness option for journal entries; any iPhone with iOS 18 will do. When you open the Journal app, tap the icon that looks like a tiny tree, and you’ll be able to log your mood for each day and see how it changes over time.

Journal app on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

12) Give Action Button a try

The Action Button is part of the iOS 17 operating system for the iPhone 15 series and continues into iOS 18 for the iPhone 16 series. This customizable side button lets you choose a specific function to perform when pressed, such as turning on silent mode, focus, camera, flashlight, voice memo, recognize music, translate, magnifier, controls, shortcut and accessibility, depending on your settings. Essentially, it acts as a quick access key for a chosen action. Here are the steps to customize the Action button on supported iPhone models:

Go to Settings
Tap Action Button
An image of the side of the iPhone will appear showing icons representing actions you can assign to the Action button.
Swipe left or right to choose an action. The name of the action will appear below the dots.
If additional options are available for the selected action, a button will appear below the action.
Tap it to see the list of options.
For Controls, Shortcut and Accessibility actions, you need to tap the button below the action and select a specific option. Otherwise, the Action button won’t do anything.

Action button on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

13) Try out the new Passwords app

I always stress the importance of using a password manager to store your passwords. Let’s be honest, we all have a ton of apps and services that require an account and password. If you use the same password everywhere, you risk having your important info stolen by cybercriminals. But it’s also impossible to come up with a unique password for every app and remember them all.

Password managers make life easier by storing your passwords and filling them in when you log into apps. But they usually charge a monthly or yearly fee. That’s where Apple’s Passwords app comes in. It works just like a password manager but without the extra cost. Open the app from the App Library, and it’ll keep your login details encrypted and synced across all your devices.

While Apple’s new Passwords app in iOS 18 offers a convenient and cost-free solution for password management, it’s important to consider its limitations. These include its exclusivity to the Apple ecosystem, lack of compatibility with Android or Linux devices and limited functionality outside of Safari and Apple apps. For those seeking a more comprehensive password management solution that works across various browsers and apps, check out my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.

14) Use ChatGPT and writing tools

Apple introduced Apple Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro and newer models running iOS 18.2, bringing a range of AI tools and ChatGPT support. ChatGPT is now built into various parts of iOS, and if you have an iPhone 15 Pro or above, you can take full advantage of this integration.

You can use Apple’s enhanced Writing Tools to access ChatGPT directly in apps like Notes, Mail and any other text input field. Whether you need help spicing up your notes or generating complex programming scripts, ChatGPT is up for the task. Here’s how to get started; you’ll need to enable ChatGPT integration.

Head to Settings
Click Apple Intelligence & Siri
Tap ChatGPT and toggle on next to where it says Use ChatGPT.
From there, you can scroll down and Sign In to your own ChatGPT account or even upgrade to ChatGPT Plus.

ChatGPT and writing tools on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

15) Install strong antivirus protection

Antivirus software can help protect your new iPhone from malware, phishing and other threats. The best way to protect yourself from having your data breached is to install antivirus protection on all your devices. Having strong antivirus software on your devices will alert you of any known malware that is targeting you, warn you against clicking on any known malicious links in phishing emails and ultimately help protect you from being hacked. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your iPhone, Mac, Windows and Android devices.

Pro tip: Prioritize regular backups to safeguard your data

Making data backups a regular part of your iPhone maintenance is crucial. This way, you can protect yourself against uncertainties. Whether it’s a hardware malfunction or a security breach, having a recent backup will let you recover quickly.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

When you get your new iPhone, there are several essential steps to take to ensure you’re getting the most out of your device. Start by updating to iOS 18.2 or later to access the latest features. Next, security measures like a passcode or biometric authentication should be set up for added protection. Personalize your settings by customizing your display and sound preferences, and don’t forget to enable Family Sharing if you want to connect with loved ones. Also, explore the App Store to download useful apps. Additionally, make sure to give the Action Button a test run for quick access to your favorite functions. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your new iPhone’s capabilities.

How do you feel about the annual iPhone releases? Do you think they provide enough value each year? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Would you pay $8,000 for a robot to fold laundry?

Published

12 minutes ago

July 11, 2026

Press Room

Would you pay ,000 for a robot to fold laundry?

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If your clean laundry has been sitting in a basket long enough to qualify as furniture, Isaac 1 may sound like the robot you have been waiting for. Weave Robotics has introduced Isaac 1, a mobile home robot designed to handle household chores that many of us keep pushing off to tomorrow. It can pick up dirty clothes, handle loaded hampers, fold laundry and put clothes away.

It can also help with making beds, fixing pillows and blankets, plus putting everyday clutter back where it belongs. That sounds pretty amazing to me, especially if your house has kids, pets or a laundry pile that seems to regenerate overnight. However, Isaac 1 also raises a very personal question: how much access would you give a robot inside your home if it meant fewer chores?

HUMANOID ROBOT CLEANS FIRST US APARTMENT

Weave Robotics’ Isaac 1 home robot can fold laundry, make beds and tidy rooms, but its $7,999 price tag raises questions about cost and privacy. (Weave Robotics)

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What is the Isaac 1 robot?

Isaac 1 is a wheeled mobile robot built from the ground up for the home. Weave says it designed and assembled the robot in San Francisco. The robot has a soft fabric shell, a solid internal structure and a collapsible torso. It can shrink down when it is off duty or extend up to a more human height when it needs to work.

Unlike a robot vacuum, Isaac 1 can reach for objects, move items around and interact with clutter in your home. You control it through a smartphone companion app. That app lets you request a task on demand or schedule one for later. So, Isaac 1 could work while you are home or handle a chore while you are away.

How the Isaac 1 robot folds laundry and resets rooms

Isaac 1’s main features fall into two areas. The first is Laundry Flow. Isaac 1 can find dirty clothes, pick them up, handle loaded hampers, fold clothing and put items away. Depending on your home setup, Weave says Isaac 1 may also help with related tasks, such as loading and unloading clothes from a washer or dryer.

The second area is Daily Reset. That means Isaac 1 can tidy rooms so they feel ready to use again. It can make beds, straighten pillows and blankets and return toys, shoes and other clutter to their places. For many homes, that could be a big deal. Laundry and daily pickup chores tend to drain time because they never really end.

Isaac 1 robot specs for your home

Isaac 1 has an 8-hour battery life and a listed charge time of about two hours. It connects through Wi-Fi and has a footprint of 20.5 inches by 22 inches. Its height ranges from 3 feet to 5 feet 9 inches because the torso can collapse or extend.

Weave also lists an 80-inch vertical reach and a 38-inch horizontal reach. Those specs help explain how Isaac 1 could reach beds, hampers, shelves and other parts of a normal home. It also uses a wheeled base, which Weave says makes it passively stable as it completes tasks.

At preorder, you can also choose a color preference, including Sage, Gray, Slate Blue, Terracotta or Vesper.

CHINA’S ROBOT-RUN HOTEL OPENS TO PUBLIC IN 2027

Isaac 1 is designed to help with laundry, clutter and daily home resets while using cameras, Wi-Fi and possible remote assistance. (Weave Robotics)

Isaac 1 robot autonomy and privacy questions

Weave says Isaac 1 is autonomous by default for Laundry Flow and Daily Reset. However, the company also says teleoperation assistance may step in when needed to make sure tasks get completed. That detail deserves your attention because Isaac 1 works inside your home. Teleoperation means a person can help the robot remotely if it gets confused by an item, a room layout or a task. In some cases, that could make the robot more useful. It could also help prevent chores from getting stuck halfway.

Weave says privacy is core to Isaac 1’s design. The company also says the robot has physical cues that show when it is working. However, Weave’s privacy policy says its robots have video cameras and may record visual content about their surroundings. That can include tasks being performed, objects in the robot’s field of view and people nearby. The policy also says Weave’s workforce may remotely access that information in connection with the robot’s operation. That does not mean you should panic. It does mean you should read the policy before putting down a deposit.

Isaac 1 may need cameras to fold clothes and move through your home. Still, your bedroom, laundry area and living room are private spaces. You deserve clear answers about what gets recorded, who can see it and how long it is stored. Before ordering, ask whether video can be deleted, whether you can opt out of AI training uses and how you can limit where the robot operates.

Isaac 1 robot price and preorder details

Weave lists two payment options for home customers. You can pay $7,999 upfront, with an optional $99-per-month premium membership, or choose a $449-per-month subscription plan. You can also preorder Isaac 1 with a fully refundable $250 deposit. That deposit reserves your place in line and remains refundable until your robot ships.

For some, the math may come down to time. If Isaac 1 handles enough laundry and daily cleanup, the cost may feel easier to justify. For others, $449 a month may feel like too much for an early home robot.

Isaac 1 robot shipping timeline

Weave says first shipments begin in fall 2026. California deliveries come first, with broader U.S. availability expected through 2027.

After you preorder, Weave says you should receive a confirmation and thank-you email. As your delivery date gets closer, the company plans to coordinate a demo.

That demo may happen in person at a Weave location or remotely over a video call. Weave also says it will use that time to understand your top priorities for Isaac 1 inside your home.

What this means to you

If Isaac 1 works as promised, it could give you back time from chores that never seem finished. Laundry alone can take hours each week, especially in a busy household. It could also help if bending, lifting or carrying loaded hampers has become a hassle. For some homes, a robot that folds clothes and resets rooms may offer more than convenience.

However, Isaac 1 is still a connected device moving through private rooms. It uses cameras, connects to Wi-Fi and may involve remote help when needed. So before you place a deposit, think about your home layout and where you would actually feel comfortable letting it work.

GOOGLE TURNS OLD PHONES INTO CLOUD SERVERS

Weave Robotics says Isaac 1 can pick up dirty clothes, fold laundry and put items away after users schedule chores through an app. (Weave Robotics)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Isaac 1 is the kind of robot that makes you stop and say, “OK, now we’re getting somewhere.” Nobody looks forward to folding laundry, making beds or picking up the same clutter again and again. These are the chores that eat up your precious time and seem never-ending. The price is the hard part. At $7,999 upfront or $449 a month, Isaac 1 has to do a lot more than look cool in a demo. It has to save you real time, work reliably and fit into your home without creating new headaches. Then there is the privacy side. Isaac 1 uses cameras, connects to Wi-Fi and may involve remote help when needed. That does not make it a dealbreaker for me, but I would want very clear answers before letting it work in private spaces like my bedroom or bathroom. I love the idea of a robot taking laundry off my hands. I am just not sure most of us are ready to pay nearly $8,000 for that privilege quite yet.

Would you let a robot see inside your home if it meant you never had to fold another load of laundry again? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Technology

No, Flock isn’t threatening people for debating surveillance

Published

10 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Press Room

No, Flock isn’t threatening people for debating surveillance

We’re aware of at least two forged letters circulating on the internet, including this one, that purport to be cease-and-desist letters from our legal department. To be clear: these letters did not come from me or from anyone at Flock.

Flock welcomes and encourages public debate about our technology. We have not and would not seek to discourage, prevent, or prohibit such discussion and debate. In fact, we would be happy to participate in any such discussions the group in question might host in the future.

Technology

Fake VA shoe offer targets veterans

Published

11 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Press Room

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A flyer offering “free athletic shoes from VA” may look official at first glance. It uses VA-style branding, talks about health and wellness and even lists the MyVA phone number. That is what makes it so dangerous.

VA says the message falsely claims Veterans can receive free athletic shoes from VA. The agency says the promotion did not come from VA and has no connection to any official VA program.

The scam appears to be spreading through a flyer and online posts. It tells Veterans they may be eligible for free athletic shoes “at no cost to you.” It also shows popular shoe brands, steps to “redeem” shoes and a process that appears to involve a VA provider.

That may be enough to get someone to click, call, share or forward before they stop to think.

MEDICAL IDENTITY THEFT FOLLOWS YOU INTO THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE

Veterans are being warned not to click links, scan QR codes or share personal information tied to a fake VA shoe offer. (Kira Hofmann/picture alliance via Getty Images)

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Fake VA shoe offer: what VA says

VA says the free athletic shoe promotion is fake. It did not come from an official VA program, including VPRs, Central Office or Whole Health.

That is important because the flyer borrows the look and feel of a trusted government agency. It also uses health language to make the offer sound like a wellness benefit.

But let’s be real here. A free pair of shoes can sound harmless until the next step asks for your personal details.

Why the fake VA shoe flyer looks so believable

This scam works because it mixes familiar names with an official-looking design. The flyer uses VA branding, a health-focused message and well-known athletic shoe brands.

It also presents the offer as a benefit. That can make people feel like they may miss out if they do not act.

Scammers know that veterans and families often deal with a lot of paperwork, benefit updates and health care messages. A fake flyer can slide into that confusion and feel more believable than it should.

How scammers use real VA details to build trust

One sneaky detail stands out. The flyer lists the MyVA number, but that alone does not make the flyer real.

Scammers often mix real information with fake offers. A real phone number, real logo or familiar agency name can make people lower their guard.

That is why you should verify the offer through VA.gov, your official VA account or your local VA facility before responding.

What the fake VA shoe offer could steal

The flyer may look like it is only about shoes. The bigger risk comes next.

A fake offer like this could lead to a phishing page, a bogus form, a QR code trap or someone asking for sensitive details. That could include your Social Security number, VA login information, health information, address, bank details or credit card number.

Scammers may also use the information to target you again. Once they know you responded to a fake VA offer, they may try a follow-up call, text or email.

DR OZ WARNS MEDICARE SCAMMERS ARE STEALING BILLIONS — AND YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION COULD BE NEXT

A fake flyer claiming Veterans can get free athletic shoes from VA is spreading online, but the agency says it is not tied to any official program. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

What to do if you see the fake VA shoe offer

Do not share it. Do not forward it. Do not fill out a form. Do not scan any code connected to it.

Also, do not provide personal, financial or health information because of this flyer.

Instead, warn veterans, family members and colleagues without spreading the image. A quick heads-up can help someone avoid a costly mistake.

Ways to stay safe from VA scams

A few smart habits can help you spot fake VA messages before they turn into a bigger problem.

1) Verify the offer through VA.gov

Go directly to VA.gov or use your official VA account. Do not rely on a flyer, social media post, text message or forwarded image.

2) Do not scan QR codes or click links

A scam flyer may send you to a fake website that looks official. Type the web address yourself or search for the VA page directly.

3) Never share VA login details

Do not give anyone your VA.gov username, password or sign-in code. VA says it will not ask you to share login credentials in an email.

4) Protect personal and health information

Treat your Social Security number, address, date of birth, medical information and benefits details as sensitive. A free offer should never require that kind of information from a random form.

QR CODE EMAIL SCAM TARGETS EMPLOYEE REVIEWS

VA says veterans should verify suspicious benefit offers through VA.gov, an official VA account or a local VA facility. (Antonio Diaz / Getty Images)

5) Call VA using a trusted number

If you have questions, contact VA through an official phone number, the VA website or your local VA facility. Do not trust contact details from a suspicious flyer alone.

6) Report the fake VA shoe offer

Veterans who suspect fraud can report it through VSAFE.gov or call 1-833-38V-SAFE. Reports help VA and other agencies track scams that target veterans.

7) Use strong antivirus protection

Strong antivirus software can help protect you if you click a bad link, scan a risky QR code or land on a fake website tied to a scam. Good protection can block malicious pages, warn you about suspicious downloads and help stop malware before it does damage. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

8) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often use personal details found online to make fake offers feel more believable. A data removal service can help reduce how much of your information is sitting on people-search sites, including your address, phone number and other details that can be used to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.

9) Take action fast if you responded

If you already clicked, scanned, called or shared information, change your VA.gov password right away. Use a trusted password manager to create and store a strong, unique password you do not use anywhere else. Turn on multifactor authentication if you have not already done that. Then watch your accounts for suspicious activity.

10) Warn others without forwarding the flyer

Tell family members, friends and veteran groups that the offer is fake, but do not send the flyer along with your warning. Even if your goal is to help, someone else may miss your warning, save the image or share it again. Instead, send a short message that says the free VA shoe offer is a scam and tell them to verify any VA benefit through VA.gov or their local VA facility.

Kurt’s key takeaways

A free pair of shoes can make you drop your guard, especially when the flyer uses VA branding and familiar shoe names. That is the whole trick. Scammers are using trust to push veterans and families toward a bad link, a fake form or a request for personal info. Slow down and verify it through VA.gov or your local VA facility. And if you want to warn someone, send them a message saying the offer is fake instead of forwarding the flyer itself. That keeps the scam from spreading.

Would this fake VA shoe offer have made you pause, or would the official-looking design have fooled you? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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