Are you tired of forgetting to send important messages at the right time?

IOS 18 brings a game-changing feature to the Messages app — the ability to schedule text messages for future delivery. 

This long-awaited addition allows you to compose messages in advance and set them to send at a specific time, ensuring you never miss an important reminder or forget to wish someone a happy birthday. Your recipient can use any device, and they won’t be aware that the message was scheduled.

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Ensure your device is updated with iOS 18

Before diving into this new feature in iOS 18, it’s essential to ensure that your device is updated to the latest operating system.

Check your current iOS version:

• Open the Settings app on your device.
• Tap General.
• Tap About. Here, you’ll see the version number next to Software Version.

Update to iOS 18:

• Go to Settings.
• Tap General.
• Tap Software Update.
• If iOS 18 is available, tap Download and Install.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Steps to update to iOS 18 on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to use Send Later in Messages

Using the new Send Later feature is straightforward:

• Open the Messages app.
• Start a new conversation or select an existing one.
• Type your message as usual.
• Instead of sending immediately, tap the plus (+) sign next to the text box.
• Select Send Later from the menu (you may need to tap “More” first).
• Choose the date and time you want the message to be sent.
• Tap the send button, which is the blue up arrow, to schedule your message.
• Your scheduled message will appear in the conversation with a dashed outline, and the scheduled send time will be displayed above it.

Steps to use Send Later in iOS 18 on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Note: Scheduled messages are encrypted and stored on Apple servers only until they are sent. Once a message is sent, it is removed from Apple servers, the message balloon becomes a solid color, and the dashed line disappears.

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Change the time to send a message

You can reschedule a message until its delivery time.

• Go to the Messages app on your iPhone.
• Go to the conversation with the message you want to reschedule.
• Tap Edit beside the date (above your scheduled message), then do any of the following:
• If you want to reschedule it, tap Edit Time, choose a new time and then tap away from the schedule to commit to the new time.
• If you want to send it immediately, tap Send Message.

Steps to change the time to send a message in iOS 18 on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Edit a scheduled message

You can edit a scheduled message until its delivery time.

• Go to the Messages app on your iPhone.
• Go to the conversation with the scheduled message you want to edit.
• Touch and hold the message bubble, then tap Edit.
• Make any changes, then tap the checkmark in the blue circle to resend with edits or the X in the grey circle to revert.

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Steps to edit a scheduled message in iOS 18 on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Delete a scheduled message

When you delete a message before its scheduled time, it’s canceled and not delivered to the recipient.

• Go to the Messages app on your iPhone.
• Go to the conversation with the scheduled message you want to delete.
• Touch and hold the message you want to cancel, then tap Delete.

Steps to delete a scheduled message in iOS 18 on iPhone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Limitations to keep in mind

While Send Later is a great new feature, there are some limitations to be aware of:

• Messages can only be scheduled up to two weeks in advance. However, this limit might change with future iOS updates.
• The feature is only available for iMessage conversations (blue bubbles), not for SMS texts to non-iPhone users (green bubbles).
• Your iPhone needs to be online for scheduled messages to be sent. If your device is offline at the scheduled time, the message will be sent once it reconnects to the internet.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The Send Later feature in iOS 18 is a welcome addition that brings more flexibility and convenience to iPhone messaging. While it has some limitations, particularly its restriction to iMessage conversations, it’s a powerful tool for managing your communications. Whether you’re remembering birthdays, sending timely reminders or communicating across time zones, Send Later can help you stay on top of your messaging game. As Apple continues to refine this feature, we can hope to see expanded functionality in future updates.

Can you share a specific situation where the Send Later feature would have been helpful for you? 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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Ever wondered why some of your Instagram videos tend to look blurry, while others are crisp and sharp? It’s because, on Instagram, the quality of your video apparently depends on how many views it’s getting. That’s according to a video AMA from Instagram head Adam Mosseri, in which he explained why some videos are lower-quality than others.

Here’s part of Mosseri’s explanation, from the video, which was reposted by a Threads user today:

In general, we want to show the highest-quality video we can … But if something isn’t watched for a long time — because the vast majority of views are in the beginning — we will move to a lower quality video. And then if it’s watched again a lot then we’ll re-render the higher quality video.

He continues, adding that the platform does this in order to “show people the highest-quality content we can.”

Instagram devotes more resources to videos from “creators who drive more views,” Mosseri wrote later in response to the Threads post containing the clip.

The shift in quality “isn’t huge,” Mosseri said in response to another Threads user, who’d asked if that approach disadvantaged smaller creators. That’s “the right concern,” he told them, but said people interact with videos based on its content, not its quality.

That’s consistent with how Meta has described its approach before. In 2021, the company projected it wouldn’t be able to keep up with the increasing number of videos uploaded to the platform. (Meta estimated last year that it served 4 billion video streams per day on Facebook.)

Meta wrote in a blog that in order to conserve computing resources for the relatively few, most watched videos, it gives fresh uploads the fastest, most basic encoding. After a video “gets sufficiently high watch time,” it receives a more robust encoding pass. Once it gets popular enough, Meta applies its most advanced (read: slowest, most computationally costly) processing to the video. The result, of course, is that the most popular creators tend to have the best-looking videos.

Are you as fed up as I am with the seemingly endless number of scams flooding Facebook? You know, the ones I’m talking about — the messages that make you stop and think, “Is this for real?” 

Whether you’re new to Facebook or you’ve been scrolling for years, these scams can catch anyone off guard. But don’t worry. 

I’ve got your back with some great tips to keep your Facebook account (and your sanity) safe. By the time we wrap this up, you’ll be well-prepared to spot these digital fraudsters from a mile away.

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A real-life Facebook scam story

Before we dive in, let me share a recent email I received from Cheryl in Buna, Texas. Her experience highlights just how sneaky these scammers can be:

“I had a hacker tell me, posing as a friend, that they received another friend request from me on Facebook. The hacker then, posing as a friend, told me they had had this problem and gave me a contact number for the Facebook official who had helped them. I called the number, but the hacker had limited information about me because a red flag was raised eventually. The hacker got access to my email, which I’ve had for 20 years, and had all kinds of confidential information in it.”

Cheryl’s story is a perfect example of how these scams can unfold. Let’s break it down and learn how to protect ourselves.

Friend Request on Facebook   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SCAMMERS EXPLOIT GRIEF WITH FAKE FUNERAL STREAMING ON FACEBOOK

The cloned account ruse

Scammers frequently initiate their schemes by posing as a friend through a cloned account. They may claim that they have received a duplicate friend request from you, creating the illusion that your account has been compromised. This tactic is designed to instill a sense of urgency and panic, prompting you to act without thinking.

In Cheryl’s case, the scammer, masquerading as her friend via a cloned account, provided a phone number for a supposed “Facebook official.” This is a classic maneuver intended to gain your trust and lower your defenses. The scammer provided the phone number as part of a deceptive strategy, claiming it was for a “Facebook official” who could help resolve an alleged security issue with Cheryl’s account. 

This tactic creates urgency and trust, prompting victims to act quickly without verifying the information. Cheryl called the number because she felt compelled to address what she believed was a serious issue regarding her account security. Scammers often exploit such feelings of urgency, making victims more likely to engage without proper caution. It’s crucial to remember that Facebook will never ask you to call a number for assistance with your account.

When Cheryl called the number, the scammer attempted to extract personal information from her. Fortunately, she recognized some red flags and remained cautious. However, the hacker still managed to access her email, which contained years of sensitive information. Always be vigilant when receiving unexpected friend requests or messages from friends because they may not be who they claim to be.

Double-check before accepting

When faced with such a request, follow these steps:

• Don’t accept immediately: Resist the urge to automatically approve the request, even if it appears to be from a close friend or family member.
• Contact the person directly: Reach out to your friend through a different communication channel, such as a phone call, text message, or email, to verify if they’ve actually sent you a new friend request.
• Compare profiles: If possible, compare the new profile with the existing one. Look for discrepancies in photos, information or recent activity.
• Check mutual friends: A cloned account is unlikely to have the same mutual friends as the original profile.

Potential risks

If you accept a friend request from a cloned account, the scammer may:

• Send malicious links or attachments
• Request money or personal information under false pretenses
• Exploit your trust to scam others in your network

Reporting suspicious activity

If you confirm that the request is from a cloned account:

• Report the fake profile to Facebook immediately
• Inform your friend about the cloned account
• Alert your mutual friends to be cautious of any suspicious requests or messages

Image of Facebook app   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Getting back on track

Recovering compromised Facebook accounts can be a hassle. Cheryl mentioned in her email to us that it took her a while to regain access to her Facebook and email. This is often the case, as scammers may change login information or enable two-factor authentication to lock you out. However, I have a step-by-step guide on how to recover a hacked Facebook account. 

Once you’ve recovered your Facebook account, I recommend that you make it private and add two-factor authentication. Here’s how you can go about that process. 

Image of Facbook login page   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to spot Facebook scams

To avoid falling victim to these scams, keep an eye out for these red flags:

1. Generic greetings in messages: Legitimate Facebook communications will address you by name. If you receive a message starting with “Dear User” or “Hello Facebook Member,” it’s likely a scam.

2. Vague claims of suspicious account activity: Scammers often use vague language about account violations or suspicious activity without providing specific details. Real Facebook notifications would include more precise information.

3. Requests for personal information via email or text: Facebook will never ask for your password or sensitive personal information through unsolicited messages. Any such request is a clear sign of a scam.

4. Demands for payment to recover an account: Facebook doesn’t charge for account recovery. If you’re asked to pay a fee to regain access to your account, it’s definitely a scam.

5. Threatening language or messages with poor grammar: Scammers often use urgent or threatening language to pressure you into action. Additionally, legitimate Facebook communications are professionally written, so poor grammar or spelling errors are red flags.

6. Links to websites not associated with Facebook: Be wary of links that don’t lead to official Facebook domains. Hover over links to check their destination before clicking, and avoid clicking on any link that seems suspicious or unfamiliar. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

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Steps to protect yourself from social media scammers

Here are some steps you need to be aware of so that you can protect yourself from social media scammers.

Beware of friend requests from familiar faces with whom you are already connected: These requests may be from scammers who are trying to impersonate your real friends and trick you in some way. Before you accept any friend request, always check the profile and compare it with the one you already have.

Have strong passwords: Using the same password across multiple platforms will always make you more vulnerable because if one account gets hacked, they all get hacked. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for your social media accounts.  A password manager will also help you keep track of all your passwords.

Evaluate the source of the link before clicking it: If it is an unknown website or news source, be cautious. Scammers may use phishing links in DMs, emails, posts or text messages to infect your device with malware or capture your login credentials.

Install strong antivirus software: Having reliable antivirus software is crucial. If a cloned friend sends you a link, your antivirus can help prevent malware infections by scanning links and files before you click on them. This added layer of protection can alert you to potential threats, ensuring your device remains secure.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

Be careful of anyone asking you for money, even if they claim to be a friend or family member: Scammers may try to impersonate someone you know to trick you into sending them money or personal information.

Closely evaluate sensational claims such as for a cure or treatment, a great prize or gift card or a job offer that sounds too good to be true. Scammers may use these tactics to lure you into giving them your personal information or paying them a fee.

Watch out for posts with poor spelling and grammatical mistakes: These may indicate that the post is not from a legitimate source.

Watch out for sparse profiles: Scammers often create sparse profiles to impersonate someone else or to lure you into giving them information. They may use a photo of a celebrity, a friend or a stranger that they found online. They may also use a name that sounds familiar or appealing. However, if you look closely at their profile, you will notice that they have no other details or activity on their social media.

Limit what you share about yourself online: Scammers may use your personal details, photos and videos to create fake social media accounts and impersonate you. Scammers can also use this information to steal your identity or access your online accounts.

Report fake social media accounts whenever you find them: if you suspect a fake account, report it to the social media platform and warn your friends about it. You can also block or unfriend people who send you suspicious messages or requests.

Remove your personal information from the internet: This is crucial because Facebook scammers often use publicly available information to make their schemes more convincing. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.  They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet.  

By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with the information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. 

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If you suspect you’re a victim of a social media scammer

If you suspect you’re a victim of a social media scammer, you need to take urgent action immediately. Here are some immediate steps to take:

Secure your account: Immediately change your password to lock potential hackers out. If you’re locked out of your account, contact Facebook’s support immediately to recover it.

Inform your contacts: Alert friends and family so they’re aware and won’t be duped by messages or requests coming from your compromised account.

Monitor account activities: Keep an eye on your active sessions, messages sent and any changes made to your account. Any unfamiliar activity should be reported and reversed.

Seek expert help: If you believe your personal information, such as financial data or other sensitive details, has been compromised, consider reaching out to cybersecurity professionals or services that can guide you on further recovery and protection steps.

Use identity theft protection:  Social media scammers are constantly looking for ways to steal your personal info and use it for their own benefit. They may send you phishing emails, fake friend requests or malicious links that can compromise your online security.

Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

One of the best parts of using some services is that they might include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Remember, Facebook and other legitimate organizations will never ask for your password or personal information through unsolicited messages. If you’re ever in doubt, contact Facebook directly through its official help center. By staying informed and skeptical, you can keep your Facebook experience fun and scam-free. Always verify before you trust, use official channels for support and keep your personal info under wraps.

What experiences have you had with Facebook scams, and how did you handle them? 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

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

Follow Kurt on his social channels

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.