Roger Linn is a legend in the world of musical instruments. He’s been at the cutting edge of music technology for decades. He created the LM-1, the first drum machine to use samples, and its successor, the LinnDrum, is one of the most iconic drum machines of all time. They were used on countless records in the 1980s, including hits by Tom Petty, Queen, and Tears for Fears. But the most notable fan was probably Prince, who used them extensively on Purple Rain and 1999.
Technology
Scammers target wireless customers in new phone scheme
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A troubling message landed in our inbox, and it reveals a scam that many people have never seen. Before we break it down, here is an email Gary from Palmetto, Florida, sent us:
“This just happened to a friend of mine. It’s the first time I’ve heard of this scam. She bought a new phone from Spectrum. 2 days later, she got a call saying they were from Spectrum and told her that they’d accidentally given her a refurbished phone rather than a new one and asked her to send it back, which he did.
“However, that night she got the feeling that something wasn’t right. She contacted UPS the next day and Spectrum, and verified that it was a scam and fortunately was able to get her phone back. But UPS told her that they actually changed the return address and the address it was going to as soon as it was shipped. She was just darn lucky she got her phone back. But like I say, this is something new. Nobody I’ve talked to has heard of it yet,” it wrote.
This experience shows how quickly scammers evolve. It also highlights how important fast action can be when something feels off.
HOW 3.5B WHATSAPP NUMBERS WERE SCRAPED AND EXPOSED
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Scammers time their calls right after a new phone delivery to make the story feel real. (Cyberguy.com)
How this new phone return scam works
You may avoid this scam when you know the steps criminals use to pull it off. Here is how they operate.
1) Scammers track recent purchases
They start by watching recent phone or carrier purchases through leaked data, phishing or stolen shipment information. Because they know when a phone was delivered, they can time the call with precision.
2) They call with a convincing story
Next, they pretend to represent Spectrum or another carrier. They claim a mix-up happened and say the customer received a refurbished device. Since the call ties directly to a real purchase, the story feels believable.
3) They pressure the victim to ship the phone
After that, they send a prepaid label that looks official. Once the victim ships the phone, they alter the destination through UPS or FedEx tools or hacked accounts. As a result, the device gets rerouted fast.
4) They follow up to reduce doubt
Sometimes they even send a second message or call to confirm receipt. This extra touch delays the moment the victim realizes the package went to a different address.
5) Quick action saved Gary’s friend
Gary’s friend sensed something felt wrong. She contacted UPS and Spectrum right away, which allowed them to intercept the shipment before final delivery.
FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
Steps to protect yourself from phone return fraud
These simple actions can stop this scam early and keep your new phone safe.
1) Confirm every return request
Always check with your carrier through its official phone number or website chat before you ship a device.
2) Ignore labels sent by callers
Treat any label that appears outside your verified online account as suspicious since scammers use these to reroute packages.
3) Ship only after confirming the address
Use your own shipping and send the phone only after you verify the correct return address with your carrier.
4) Watch for pressure
Scammers use phrases, like “We made a mistake” or “We will credit your account to push quick action.” Slow down and confirm before you do anything.
5) Add a carrier account PIN
Create a PIN and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your account from unauthorized access.
Fake return labels look official, which makes victims believe they are sending the phone back to the carrier. (Reuters/Thomas Peter/File Photo)
6) Use a strong antivirus software
Strong antivirus software blocks phishing sites and dangerous links that scammers use to steal account data. It also warns you about scam calls and messages tied to known threats.
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 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
7) Use a personal data removal service
A data removal service pulls your information off people search sites that expose your address, carrier details and phone number. Lowering that exposure reduces targeted scam calls.
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 information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE DOING WRONG WHEN SCAMMERS CALL
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.
Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.
8) Check your account for any new orders or changes
Scammers sometimes add fake orders or create return requests inside your carrier account. Reviewing your activity can reveal tampering quickly. Check your carrier account for new orders or changes. Look for return requests, shipping labels or edits you did not make.
9) Turn on shipping alerts for packages
Most carriers and shipping companies let you enable text or email alerts. This makes it harder for scammers to reroute a package without you knowing. Turn on delivery alerts with UPS, FedEx or USPS. Real-time updates help you catch reroutes before your device moves too far.
10) Protect your shipping login
Scammers often use stolen UPS or FedEx credentials to change addresses. Secure your UPS or FedEx accounts with strong passwords. This limits unauthorized access that scammers rely on. Consider using a password manager, which securely stores and generates complex passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse.
Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.
Quick action with UPS or the carrier can stop the scam before the package reaches the wrong hands. (iStock)
Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.
11) Avoid reading label numbers out loud over the phone
Some scammers ask victims to read tracking numbers or label details. They use these codes to hijack shipments. Never share tracking numbers or label details with anyone who calls you. Scammers use those numbers to redirect packages.
12) Report attempted fraud
Your report helps carriers investigate similar attempts. Report any suspicious calls to your carrier’s fraud department. Your story can help protect other customers from the same scheme.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Phone return scams keep spreading because scammers watch for any moment when people feel rushed or distracted. When a new device arrives, most of us feel excited and eager to get it set up, which gives criminals a narrow window to strike. Taking a few simple steps to verify every return request can shut down the entire scheme before it reaches your door. Slow down, check the details and trust your instincts if anything feels off. Your caution can save you from losing a brand-new phone to a convincing lie.
What scam attempts have you or someone you know run into lately that others should know about? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Somehow, those are not his greatest contributions to the music world. That would, undoubtedly, be the MPC. Linn partnered with Akai to create one of the most popular and important samplers ever. The MPC60 and its successors became the tool of choice for countless hip-hop and house producers. J Dilla’s MPC 3000 even sits in the Smithsonian.
Roger Linn was also an early adopter of MPE, or MIDI polyphonic expression. It’s a key feature of his LinnStrument, an expressive 3D controller released in 2014 — three years before the Association of Musical Electronics Industry (AMEI) officially released the MPE standard. Turns out the man stays so innovative by keeping things simple and focused.
What is your most indispensable tool?
My MacBook Pro.
Which is the most underappreciated?
My Vision Pro. I called it the most amazing product I rarely use.
What is the first app you install on a new phone or computer?
On a computer, Rhino3D.
What is one thing you wish you could change about your phone?
Apple Mail’s bugs.
What sites do you have pinned to your tab bar?
New York Times.
How many tabs do you have open right now?
One. This document.
Which social media platform do you use the most (if any)?
I don’t use social media except to announce my monthly “All Things LinnStrument” email newsletter.
What is your happy place online?
A VR app for the Meta Quest called Walkabout Mini Golf. It was a large number of artistically created open VR worlds that offer a surprising level of beauty from the Quest 3’s limited power. I go there to play a game of mini golf, fly around, or meet friends in a private instance of a particular world.
What is your favorite gadget you’ve ever owned?
I don’t know about “ever”, but these days it’s VR headsets, currently the Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro.
Which was the most disappointing?
In general, I’m disappointed by products that are designed by engineers who assume their customers are engineers.
What game do you have the fondest memories of?
Myst.
Which tech trend do you wish would go away?
Spam.
What creation are you most proud of?
LinnStrument.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Keep it simple.
What is your current obsession?
VR.
What do you do when you need to focus?
Breathe. Calm down.
What do you do when you’re feeling stuck?
I try to shift my perspective.
When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone?
I never go anywhere without my phone. Maybe swimming.
What’s the last piece of physical media you bought?
That would be a long time ago. I’ve only bought books, music, films, etc. in digital form for a long time.
What do you think is worth splurging on?
If someone made a VR headset with retina resolution, very high power, lots of beautiful open worlds, but it was expensive, I’d probably buy it.
What would the tagline for your biopic be?
“He created tools that allowed musicians to make better music.”
What’s the last GIF or meme you used?
This isn’t a GIF, but maybe it’s a meme:
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
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A robot mower sounds like the kind of yard tool that should make life easier. It cuts the grass, saves you time and quietly handles a chore most people would rather avoid.
But a new independent security report raises a bigger concern about what may be happening behind the scenes. Security researcher Andreas Makris says Yarbo robots, which include autonomous lawn mowers and snow blowers, contained serious flaws that could expose owners to remote access, live camera viewing and Wi-Fi credential theft. The report says roughly 6,000 robots are currently affected.
Yarbo has since responded through its Security Center, saying the core technical findings are accurate and that it has started rolling out security fixes. Still, the report raises important questions about how much access smart yard devices should have inside your home network.
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SMART HOME HACKING FEARS: WHAT’S REAL AND WHAT’S HYPE
A robot mower connected to home Wi-Fi can create security risks if remote access controls are weak or unclear. (Yarbo)
Yarbo robot security risk: What the report claims
Makris says Yarbo robots ship with a persistent remote access setup that uses a tunnel to reach the robot over the internet. According to the report, the robots also include a hardcoded root password shared across the fleet and a remote connection method tied to the robot’s serial number. That is important because “root” access gives someone deep control over the device. In simple terms, it can mean administrator-level access to the system inside the robot. The report also says the remote tunnel runs automatically, can restart itself if stopped and may return if removed. That raises a major concern for owners because they may not have a simple switch in the app to shut it off.
Why a robot mower could put your home network at risk
Smart devices often need internet access to work. App controls, software updates, diagnostics and support all depend on that connection. However, Makris claims Yarbo’s setup creates a much riskier situation. He says remote access appears to be built into every robot, rather than turned on only when an owner asks for help. The report says an attacker with the right information could potentially reach a robot remotely, access internal functions and use it as a foothold on the owner’s network. So while a robot mower may seem harmless as it cuts grass, rolls through the yard or parks near the garage, that same machine can also connect to your Wi-Fi, carry cameras and sit close to your home every day.
5 WORRISOME PRIVACY CLAUSES HIDDEN IN SMART HOME DEVICES
The Yarbo report raises concerns about remote access, live camera feeds and saved Wi-Fi credentials on connected yard robots. (Yarbo)
Yarbo camera access concerns for homeowners
According to the report, Yarbo robots can have multiple camera feeds. Makris says that if someone gained root access through the remote tunnel, they could potentially view the robot’s surroundings remotely. That could include a driveway, backyard, entryway, garage area or outdoor space where your family spends time. For homeowners, this concern goes beyond a glitch. A camera-equipped device outside your home deserves the same scrutiny as a camera inside your home.
How saved Wi-Fi passwords could be exposed
The report also says an attacker with root access could retrieve saved Wi-Fi credentials from the robot’s system. That would be a serious issue because many homes use one main Wi-Fi network for phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, security devices and more. Once someone has your Wi-Fi password, the risk can spread. They may try to reach other connected devices or look for weak spots that were never meant to face the internet. This is why connected outdoor equipment should never get a free pass. A lawn robot may be housed outside or in the garage, but its network access can reach inside.
What Yarbo says now
After Makris published his report, Yarbo posted a response to its Security Center page on its website. The company said the report identified serious vulnerabilities in its remote diagnostic, credential management and data-handling systems. Yarbo co-founder Kenneth Kohlmann also said the “core technical findings are accurate” and acknowledged that the company’s initial response did not reflect the seriousness of the issues.
Yarbo says the problems primarily involved historical design choices in parts of its remote diagnostic, access management and data-handling systems. The company also said some legacy support tools did not give users enough visibility or control. Yarbo said some authentication and credential systems did not meet its current security expectations.
A NEW SECURITY SEAL OF APPROVAL IS COMING TO YOUR SMART HOME GADGETS
Security experts recommend keeping smart yard devices on a guest network instead of your main home Wi-Fi. (Yarbo)
What Yarbo says it has fixed
Yarbo says it has taken several remediation steps since the report was published. According to the company, it has retired historical fleet-level root credentials, revoked shared FRP remote-access credentials and disabled related FRP server-side connection paths.
The company also says updated versions of the Yarbo mobile app no longer contain static credentials or embedded access mechanisms capable of directly authenticating against backend services. Yarbo says it has removed reporting scripts, legacy dependencies and non-essential network configurations that no longer served a necessary product function.
However, Yarbo says more work remains. The company says it is rebuilding its credential management system so any remaining shared-credential models can be replaced with individually scoped, per-device credentials. Each credential would support independent rotation and revocation.
Why Yarbo data connections raise privacy questions
The report also points to connections involving Hanyangtech, Yarbo’s Shenzhen-based parent company, along with ByteDance Feishu, Tencent TDMQ and Chinese DNS resolvers. Makris says some robot telemetry can be sent to ByteDance’s Feishu platform and that certain infrastructure choices are built into the firmware.
Yarbo now says it has removed reporting scripts, legacy dependencies and non-essential network configurations that no longer served a necessary operational or product function. The company also says historical servers and legacy access channels will continue to be phased out as part of its remediation work.
The core issue is transparency. Owners should know where their devices send data, which companies can access it and whether those connections are essential for normal use. That level of clarity matters even more for devices with cameras, location data and access to home networks.
What this means for you
If you own a Yarbo robot, this report means you should treat it like any other connected device with cameras, location data and access to your home Wi-Fi. Yarbo says it is pushing security updates automatically to connected devices. That means owners should connect their Yarbo long enough to receive the latest security update. After that, consider moving it back to a guest network or an isolated smart-device network.
CyberGuy reached out to Yarbo, and a representative said the company encouraged readers to refer to the Security Center at yarbo.com/pages/yarbo-security-center for the latest verified information and ongoing updates.
How Yarbo owners can reduce the risk
You may not be able to control everything happening inside the robot, but you can take a few practical steps to limit what it can reach on your home network.
1) Put the robot on a guest network
Do not keep your robot mower on the same network as your laptop, phone or security cameras. Use a guest network or a separate smart-device network if your router supports it.
2) Change your main Wi-Fi password if you are concerned
If your robot has connected to your main Wi-Fi and you are worried about exposure, change the Wi-Fi password. Use a strong, unique password and store it in a trusted password manager so you do not have to reuse or remember it. Then reconnect only trusted devices. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com
3) Check your router for unknown devices
Open your router app or admin page and review connected devices. Look for anything unfamiliar. Remove devices you do not recognize.
4) Limit what the robot can access
Some routers let you isolate guest devices. Turn that on when available. This can keep the robot from seeing other devices on your network.
5) Ask Yarbo for specific answers
Owners should ask what remote diagnostic access remains, whether credentials are now unique per robot and whether the company will provide a true off switch for remote diagnostics.
6) Keep the robot updated, but stay cautious
Yarbo says security updates are delivered automatically once devices connect to the internet. Connect the robot through a guest network or an isolated smart-device network so it can receive the latest update without giving it access to your main devices.
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Your phone holds your email, passwords, photos, banking apps and personal data. In this free, live online class, Kurt the CyberGuy will walk you step by step through simple phone security fixes you can do in real time. You’ll learn how to improve your privacy settings, spot the latest phone scams, use trusted security tools and walk away with a simple checklist to stay protected. Register here: CyberGuyLive.com
Kurt’s key takeaways
The Yarbo report is a reminder that convenience can come with hidden access. A robot mower may seem like a helpful yard tool, but under the hood, it can act like a connected computer with cameras, location data and a path into your network. The biggest concern is control. Owners need to know who can reach their devices, when remote access turns on and whether they can shut it off. A company should not expect you to trust a black box sitting on your Wi-Fi. If you own one of these robots, isolate it from your main network and push Yarbo for clear answers. If you are shopping for any smart yard device, ask about security before you ask about battery life.
Would you let a smart yard robot onto your Wi-Fi if the company could not clearly explain who can access it and when? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Google’s AI Overviews are running into an interesting problem right now. Earlier on Friday, if you searched for the term “disregard,” the AI Overview section would include a response like what you’d see from a more traditional AI chatbot instead of the typical AI summary, as spotted on X. As you can see in the image at the top of this story, I got an AI Overview response that said, “Got it. If you need anything else or have a new question later, just let me know!”
As of Friday afternoon, however, Google isn’t showing an AI Overview for the term “disregard” at all — instead, it shows a list of news stories about the issue first. Google hasn’t replied to our requests for comment. In a statement to Android Authority, a spokesperson said that “We’re aware that AI Overviews are misinterpreting some action-related queries, and we’re working on a fix, which will roll out soon.”
AI Overviews haven’t just been tripping up over the word “disregard.” When searching for “ignore,” Google’s AI Overview section showed the following message to a Verge colleague:
Message received! I’m here and ready to help. What would you like to focus on today? Just let me know if there’s a specific topic, task, or question you’d like to explore.
When they searched “skip,” the AI Overview section said:
It looks like your message was just a test or a typo! Feel free to ask a question, share a prompt, or let me know how I can help you with your tasks today. I’m ready whenever you are!
As of Friday afternoon, Google is still showing me AI Overviews with broken responses when I search for “ignore” and “skip.”
As funny as this all is, it’s almost certainly just some kind of bug — I expect Google will fix it soon enough. Maybe Google Search itself is tired after everything that happened at Google I/O.
Updates, May 22nd: Google now isn’t showing AI Overviews for “disregard.” Also added a Google statement.
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