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How to know if your identity has been stolen

It’s unsettling to think someone might be using your identity, but catching it early can save you a lot of trouble. The first step? Stay alert. Keep track of your bills—what you owe and when payments are due. If you notice unfamiliar charges or accounts you don’t recognize, that’s a red flag.

Take a close look at your monthly bank and credit card statements. Scammers often make small, easy-to-miss transactions to test the waters. If you see something suspicious, don’t ignore it. Even a $5 charge to an unknown vendor could signal bigger problems.

Your credit report is one of your best tools. You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus every year. Review them carefully. Look for accounts you didn’t open, credit inquiries you didn’t authorize, or loans in your name. Mistakes happen, but fraud can hide in the details.

Another sign: you’re denied credit unexpectedly, or you stop receiving your regular mail. Identity thieves often change billing addresses to cover their tracks. If your credit score drops suddenly without explanation, that’s worth investigating.

Consider setting up alerts with your bank or using a credit monitoring service. These can notify you of changes to your credit file or unusual account activity—sometimes before real damage is done.

Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off, a missing bill, an unfamiliar login, or an odd message from your bank, dig deeper. Identity theft doesn’t always look dramatic; sometimes it’s a quiet shift in your financial routine. Staying informed and proactive is your best defense.

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How to tell if someone is remotely accessing your iPhone

Worried that someone might be spying on your iPhone? While iPhones are generally secure, no device is completely immune to intrusion—especially if it's been tampered with or compromised. Recognizing the signs of remote access can help you take action before it's too late.

One of the first things to watch for is unusual behavior. If your device feels unusually warm—even when you haven’t been using it heavily, it could be a sign of hidden background activity. Similarly, a sudden drop in battery life, even with minimal use, might mean something (or someone) is running processes without your knowledge.

Check your background apps regularly. Swipe up from the bottom (or double-press the home button on older models) to see what’s running. If you spot apps you don’t recognize, especially ones you didn’t install, that’s a red flag. Some remote access tools disguise themselves as harmless apps to avoid detection.

Another subtle clue is unexpected data usage. Go to Settings > Cellular and scroll down to see which apps are consuming data. A spike in activity from unknown sources could point to remote monitoring.

Also, pay attention to strange messages or links you receive. Remote access often starts with phishing attempts, someone tricking you into installing malicious software. Never tap suspicious links, especially if they come from unknown senders.

If you suspect someone has access, restart your phone, run an update, and change your Apple ID password immediately. For extra security, review your trusted devices in your iCloud settings and remove anything unfamiliar.

Staying alert is key. While iOS has strong security, your awareness is the best defense. If something feels off, trust your gut and investigate.

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What does *77 do on your phone?

If you've ever wondered what happens when you dial *77 on your landline, it’s actually a handy feature designed to keep unwanted anonymous calls at bay. This simple code activates a service known as Anonymous Call Rejection.

When you dial *77 and enable the feature, your phone will automatically block incoming calls from people who hide their number using caller ID blocking. Instead of your phone ringing and potentially disturbing your day, the caller on the other end hears a message: “The party you are calling does not accept blocked calls.” Essentially, their call never reaches you.

This service is especially useful if you're tired of getting calls from unknown or telemarketing numbers that show up as "Private," "Blocked," or "Unknown." It adds a layer of privacy and control, letting you decide who can reach you—and who can't.

Activating it is simple: just lift the receiver and dial *77. To turn it off later, you can usually dial *76. Keep in mind that availability of this feature may vary depending on your phone service provider and region, and it’s typically designed for traditional landlines rather than mobile phones.

While *77 is a straightforward solution, it’s not foolproof—some scammers may still get through using spoofed numbers. Still, it remains a reliable tool for minimizing nuisance calls. If peace and privacy matter to you, it’s worth trying. Just remember to check with your provider to confirm it’s supported on your line.

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