DENVER – Scams targeting older Americans are surging, and federal officials are warning that the tactics are becoming harder to detect.

The Federal Trade Commission says scammers are posing as IRS agents, police officers, or other officials – often over the phone or online – to steal thousands of dollars at a time.

The FTC says scams involving losses over $10,000 have quadrupled in recent years. The FBI reports that older adults filed the most scam complaints last year, with average losses climbing to $83,000 – up 43% from the year before.

SCAMMERS NOW IMPERSONATE COWORKERS, STEAL EMAIL THREADS IN CONVINCING PHISHING ATTACKS

In response, AARP has launched Senior Planet, a national program offering free fraud-awareness classes to Americans age 60 and older. The program teaches participants how to identify red flags, spot fake communications, and avoid sharing sensitive information under pressure.

Classes are available in several other states, including Texas, Maryland, and New York. (Kennedy Hayes/ FOX News)

AGING BRAINS COULD ‘BECOME’ YOUNGER WHEN KEY PROTEIN IS DECREASED

Rick Planos, an instructor for Senior Planet in Illinois, says his involvement is personal. His mother lost more than $2,500 in gift cards to a scammer who convinced her that her grandson had been arrested.

“My mom was distraught,” Planos said. “First, she was distraught that one of her grandchildren was arrested – and then it turned out that wasn’t true. And then she was distraught that she got scammed.”

7 STEPS TO ‘SUPER-AGING’ ARE KEY TO LIVING A LONGER, MORE FULFILLING LIFE, EXPERTS SAY

Now, Planos leads scam prevention classes in his community.

“I spend a lot of time teaching for AARP. I took what happened to us and put it into some kind of positive energy to protect other people,” Planos said. 

The program teaches participants how to identify red flags, spot fake communications, and avoid sharing sensitive information under pressure. (Kennedy Hayes/FOX News)

In Denver, Senior Planet hosts regular in-person classes, but the program is also available online and in several other states, including Texas, Maryland and New York.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“It’s important to talk about where the risks and dangers are,” said Aaron Santis, program lead for Senior Planet Colorado. “But we’re also using technology as a tool to enrich people’s lives.”

Carolyn Gibson, a recent student, said she joined to learn more about new technology such as artificial intelligence – and how to protect herself from scams.

“I came over here to find out who is this AI, what is this AI. The people here, they’ve been very helpful,” Gibson said. 

The FTC reminds consumers that government agencies will never call to demand money. (Kennedy Hayes/Fox News)

Instructors encourage participants to slow down, verify, and never feel rushed into sharing information – especially if contacted by someone claiming to be from a government agency. According to the website, Senior Planet helps seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The FTC reminds consumers that government agencies will never call to demand money. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up, visit the agency’s official website, and report the scam directly.

Senior Planet helps seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends, according to their website

Artificial intelligence can do a lot for us. Need to draft an email? AI has you covered. Looking for a better job? AI can help with that, too. It can even boost our health and fitness. Some tools, like AI-powered exoskeletons, can lighten heavy loads and improve performance. 

But it’s not all sunshine and progress. Hackers are also turning to AI, and they’re using it to make phishing scams smarter and harder to spot. These scams are designed to trick people into handing over personal details or money. One woman recently lost $850,000 after a scammer, posing as Brad Pitt with the help of AI, convinced her to send money. Scary, right? 

The good news is that you can learn to recognize the warning signs. Before we dive into how to protect yourself, let’s break down what AI phishing scams really are.

HOW AI BROWSERS OPEN THE DOOR TO NEW SCAMS

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CyberGuy.com newsletter.

A single click on a fake link could expose your personal information. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What are AI phishing scams?

AI phishing scams are when hackers use AI to make their scams more convincing. AI helps them create super-realistic emails, messages, voices and even videos. This makes it harder for people to tell what’s real and what’s fake. Old-school phishing emails were easy to spot because of typos and bad grammar. However, thanks to AI tools like ChatGPT, hackers can now create flawless, professional-sounding emails that are much harder to detect. AI-generated phishing emails aren’t the only threat. Hackers are also using AI to pull off scams like:

• Voice clone scams: They use AI to copy the voice of someone you know, like a friend or family member, to trick you.
• Deepfake video scams: They create super-realistic videos of someone you trust, like a loved one or a celebrity, to manipulate you.

Here’s how you can spot these AI-driven scams before they fool you.

1) Spot common phishing email red flags

Though hackers can use AI tools to write grammatically perfect email copy, AI phishing emails still have some classical red flags. Here are some telltale signs that it is an AI-driven phishing email:

• Suspicious sender’s address that doesn’t match the company’s domain.
• Generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
• Urgent requests pressuring you to act immediately.
• Unsolicited attachments and links requiring you to take action

The biggest red flag is the sender’s email address. There is often a slight change in the spelling of the email address, or it is an entirely different domain name. For example, a hacker might use an email like xyz@PayPall.com or a personal address from Gmail.com, such as the email below, or Outlook.com while pretending to be from PayPal.

Hackers are using AI to create scams that look frighteningly real. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2) Analyze the language for AI-generated patterns

It used to be easier to spot phishing emails by noticing silly typos. Thanks to AI, hackers can now craft flawless emails. But you can still sense a phishing email if you analyze the language of the email body copy carefully. The most prominent sign of AI-generated email copy is that it looks highly formal with a dash of failed attempts to be personal. You might not notice it at first, but looking at it closely is likely to give a red flag. The language of such emails is often robotic.

3) Watch for AI voice clone scam warning signs 

With AI, it is possible to clone voices. So, there is no surprise that there is a steep rise in voice phishing, which is also known as vishing. Recently, a father lost $4 billion in Bitcoin to vishing. Though AI voice cloning has improved, it’s still flawed. You can spot inconsistencies by verifying the speaker’s identity. Ask specific questions that only the real person would know. This can reveal gaps in the scammer’s script. The voice, also, at times may sound robotic due to imperfections in voice cloning technology. So the next time, whenever you receive a call that creates a sense of urgency, ask as many questions as you can to verify the identity of the person. You may also consider verifying the claims through the second channel. If the person on the other side of the phone says something, you can get it confirmed by the official email to be on the safer side.

GOOGLE AI EMAIL SUMMARIES CAN BE HACKED TO HIDE PHISHING ATTACKS

4) Identify visual glitches and oddities in video calls

Deepfake videos are getting pretty convincing, but they’re not flawless yet. They have visual inconsistencies and oddities, which can make the voice or video appear fake. So watch the video carefully and try to catch the signs of unnatural eye movements, lip-sync issues, weird lighting, shadows and voice inconsistencies. You can also use a deepfake video detection tool to spot a fake video.

5) Set up and use a shared secret

A shared secret is something only you and your loved ones know. If someone claiming to be a friend or family member contacts you, ask for the shared secret. If they can’t answer, you’ll know it’s a scam.

Hackers are turning to artificial intelligence to make phishing scams smarter and harder to spot. (miniseries/Getty Images)

How to protect yourself from AI phishing scams

AI phishing scams rely on tricking people into trusting what looks and sounds real. By staying alert and practicing safe habits, you can lower your risk. Here’s how to stay ahead of scammers:

1) Stay cautious with unsolicited messages

Never trust unexpected emails, texts or calls that ask for money, personal details or account access. Scammers use urgency to pressure you into acting fast. Slow down and double-check before clicking or responding. If something feels off, it probably is.

2) Use a data removal service

Protect your devices with a trusted data removal service to reduce the amount of personal info exposed online. Fewer exposed details make it harder for scammers to target you. 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.

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.

3) Check links before you click and install strong antivirus software

Hackers often hide malicious links behind convincing text. Hover your cursor over a link to see the actual URL before you click. If the address looks odd, misspelled or unrelated to the company, skip it. Clicking blindly can download malware or expose your login details. Also, install strong antivirus software on all of your devices that blocks phishing links and scans for malware. 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.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

4) Turn on two-factor authentication

Even if a scammer steals your password, two-factor authentication (2FA) can keep them locked out. Enable 2FA on your email, banking and social media accounts. Choose app-based codes or a hardware key over text messages for stronger protection.

5) Limit what you share online

The more personal details you share, the easier it is for hackers to make AI scams believable. Avoid posting sensitive information like travel plans, birthdays or financial updates on social media. Scammers piece these details together to build convincing attacks.

6) Verify requests through another channel

If you get a message asking for money or urgent action, confirm it in another way. Call the person directly using a number you know, or reach out through official company channels. Don’t rely on the same email, text or call that raised suspicion in the first place.

Kurt’s key takeaways 

AI is making scams more convincing and harder to detect, but you can stay ahead by recognizing the warning signs. You should watch out for suspicious email addresses, unnatural language, robotic voices and visual glitches in videos, and always verify information through a second channel. You should also establish a shared secret with loved ones to protect yourself from AI-driven voice and video scams.

Have you experienced any AI-driven phishing scams yet, and what do you think is the best way to spot such a scam? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CyberGuy.com newsletter.

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

A Los Angeles-based aerospace startup called Inversion Space has unveiled Arc, its first flagship spacecraft designed to deliver supplies from orbit back to Earth in record time. The reusable reentry vehicle can transport up to 500 pounds of mission-critical cargo to nearly any point on the planet in less than an hour. Founders Justin Fiaschetti and Austin Briggs launched the company in 2021 with a bold vision: to build a space-based logistics network. During an event at the company’s factory, they described Arc as the next evolution of global delivery, one that starts in orbit, not on the ground.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CyberGuy.com newsletter.

How the Arc spacecraft delivers cargo from orbit to Earth

Standing about 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide, Arc is roughly the size of a large tabletop. It’s a lifting-body vehicle, meaning it can steer as it reenters the atmosphere. Instead of needing a runway, Arc lands safely under parachutes, using non-toxic propellants that make it safe to handle immediately after landing. The spacecraft features a cross-range of approximately 621 miles, allowing it to target wide landing zones. It can stay in orbit for up to five years, ready to return to Earth when needed. That flexibility means the spacecraft could one day drop off medical supplies, drones or military equipment at hard-to-reach locations. 

THE WORLD’S FIRST FLYING CAR IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

Inversion Space unveils its Arc reentry vehicle designed for rapid orbital delivery (Inversion Space)

Inversion’s Ray mission tested key systems in orbit, paving the way for Arc’s full development. (Inversion Space)

Why Arc’s hypersonic speed could change aerospace testing

Beyond rapid delivery, Arc doubles as a hypersonic testing platform. It can reach speeds over Mach 20, endure extreme heat and survive massive g-forces. Those capabilities have caught the attention of U.S. defense agencies, which are eager to improve hypersonic flight testing. Inversion’s participation in the Kratos-led MACH-TB 2.0 program highlights the growing military interest in Arc’s reusable design. “Fully reusable and capable of precise landings for rapid recovery, Arc makes hypersonic testing faster, repeatable, and more affordable,” the company said.

Arc could deliver mission-critical cargo anywhere on Earth in under an hour. (Inversion Space)

What Inversion learned from its first spacecraft, Ray

Before Arc, Inversion launched a smaller demo craft called Ray on SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission. Ray weighed about 200 pounds and successfully tested propulsion, avionics and solar power systems in orbit. Though a short circuit prevented reentry, it provided valuable data that led to Arc’s development. Ray’s success convinced the company to push forward with full-scale testing. Inversion has already completed dozens of drop tests and built a full-scale Arc prototype. The startup also partnered with NASA to refine the vehicle’s thermal protection system for reentry.

UFO MANIA GRIPS SMALL TOWN AFTER MYSTERIOUS GLOWING OBJECT SIGHTING GOES VIRAL

How Arc strengthens defense and emergency logistics

Inversion sees Arc as a bridge between space logistics and national defense. The spacecraft could deliver mission-critical cargo to remote, damaged or denied environments where traditional transport would take days. As Fiaschetti put it, the goal is simple: make a difference the moment it lands. By combining maneuverability, reusability and speed, Arc could reshape both emergency response and battlefield supply chains. It’s not just about moving packages, it’s about delivering readiness.

Engineers at Inversion Space test Arc’s reentry systems as the spacecraft moves closer to flight readiness. (Inversion Space)

What this means for you

If Arc succeeds, it could redefine emergency logistics on Earth. Imagine doctors receiving vital medical kits from orbit after a natural disaster, or soldiers getting urgent supplies in minutes instead of hours. Arc could also accelerate scientific research, enabling faster delivery of experimental payloads or orbital materials. For everyday people, this technology represents the next step toward on-demand space infrastructure, where the line between space and Earth logistics begins to blur.

The reusable Arc spacecraft maneuvers through Earth’s atmosphere using parachutes for safe landing. (Inversion Space)

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: CyberGuy.com.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Kurt’s key takeaways

Inversion Space’s Arc is more than a spacecraft; it’s a bold attempt to turn orbit into a delivery zone. With reusable systems, hypersonic capability and a focus on safety, it might just reshape how we think about time, distance and access.

Would you trust a spacecraft to deliver emergency supplies to your neighborhood in under an hour? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CyberGuy.com newsletter.   

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

Sometimes, data breaches result in more than just free credit monitoring. Recently, Facebook began paying out its $725 million settlement, and AT&T is preparing to distribute $177 million. Those payouts caught scammers’ attention.

Now, fake settlement claim emails and websites are flooding inboxes. They look convincing, but behind the plain design and official-sounding language is a trap for your Social Security number, banking info and more. So how can you make sure you get your money without losing even more in the process?

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CyberGuy.com newsletter.

TOP 5 OVERPAYMENT SCAMS TO AVOID

Why fake settlement sites are so convincing

Settlement claim websites rarely look polished. Most have generic layouts, long URLs and simple forms asking for a claim ID from your email or postcard. That makes it easy for scammers to mimic them. To test how simple it is, we created a fake settlement site (below) in minutes using AI tools like ChatGPT.

To steal your data, scammers build fake settlement sites that mimic real sites (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

If we can do it, you can bet criminals are already exploiting the same shortcuts. Facebook has been the target. A fake site once popped up around the Equifax settlement, tricking thousands before it was shut down. The lesson? If the site appears unusual, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fake, but it should prompt you to double-check before entering your details or clicking on any links.

Red flags that expose fake settlement sites

Spotting a scam often comes down to noticing the little details. Watch for these common warning signs before you hand over your information.

Requests for too much personal data

If a site asks for your full Social Security number or the names of your children, stop. For example, the official Equifax settlement only requested the last six digits of SSNs. Genuine claim sites may ask for limited info (like the last four digits of your SSN), but they rarely demand complete Social Security or bank details.

Promises of payout estimates upfront

Real administrators calculate payments only after the claim period closes.

Texts or social media messages

Settlements are announced by mail or email, not through random DMs or SMS.

Fraud can be found with red flags like odd URLs, urgent countdowns, or fee requests (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Odd or misspelled URLs

Even one extra letter in the web address is a sign of a spoof site. Legitimate settlements use official or clearly named administrator domains. Be wary of addresses with unusual add-ons, such as “secure-pay” or “claims-pay.”

Urgent language or countdowns

Scammers rely on urgency to pressure you into acting fast. Real settlement sites don’t demand 24-hour turnarounds.

Processing fee checkboxes

A sure giveaway of a fake. Real settlement administrators never require money to file or to receive your payout.

Cheap trust badges

Scam sites often throw in fake “secure” seals. Look for recognized security seals and make sure they’re clickable and verifiable.

Generic contact info tied to the suspicious domain

Official sites list multiple, verifiable contacts. If the email or phone number matches the weird domain, that’s a red flag.

Grammar or spelling mistakes in the fine print

Sloppy errors in legal-sounding text are a classic sign you’re looking at a scam.

Start with official FTC links or mailed notices to file claims safely (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to safely handle settlement claim notices

Before filing any claim, follow these steps to ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate settlement site and protecting your information.

1) Start at the FTC

The Federal Trade Commission keeps updated lists of approved class action settlements at ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds. The legitimate links always point to a .gov website. If your email sends you elsewhere, treat it with caution. 

2) Cross-check with other resources

Trusted outlets often cover large settlements and include safe links. ClassAction.org is another resource for checking legitimate URLs.

3) Skip the links, use the mail

Your claim notice may include a mailing address. Sending a paper form avoids the digital phishing minefield altogether.

4) Use strong antivirus software

Strong antivirus software can block malicious links, warn you about dangerous websites and prevent malware from taking over your device.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access 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.

HOW RETIREES CAN STOP FAKE DEBT COLLECTOR SCAMS

5) Try a data removal service

Data removal services work to scrub your personal information from broker lists, making it more difficult for criminals to target you.

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.

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.

6) Never pay to file

If a site asks for “administrative fees” or a “processing charge,” close it immediately. Real settlement administrators will never ask for money.

7) Report suspicious sites

Spot a fake? Protect others by reporting it to:

• The FTC Complaint Assistant at reportfraud.ftc.gov/
• The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov/
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov/about-us/the-bureau/

Quick reporting helps authorities shut down scams before more people fall victim.

Can you tell a real email from a fake?

Take our quick quiz at Cyberguy.com/ScamCheck to learn how to spot phishing scams, protect your inbox, and stay a step ahead of hackers. 

Kurt’s key takeaways

Class action settlements can feel like rare wins for consumers after data breaches. But scammers see them as easy hunting grounds. The best defense is skepticism. Check URLs, avoid clicking direct links and never give away details that don’t match the claim’s purpose. Your payout should help you recover, not put you at greater risk.

Have you ever received a settlement notice that felt suspicious, and how did you handle it? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CyberGuy.com newsletter.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.  

Navigation apps have become an essential part of modern life. Whether you are commuting to work, running errands or exploring a new city, relying on accurate directions and real-time traffic updates can make all the difference. Over the past decade, Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps have emerged as the dominant players in this space, each offering a distinct approach to navigation.

While millions of people rely on these apps daily, choosing the right one can depend on a variety of factors, from interface design to privacy policies. In this article, we compare these three apps across usability, accuracy, features and data handling to help you determine which one best fits your needs.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CyberGuy.com newsletter.

What each app does best

Google Maps is widely regarded as the all-rounder. It combines extensive mapping data with points of interest, public transit information, Street View, Live View AR and detailed business listings. Its versatility makes it a top choice for both daily commuters and travelers.

Google Maps is a great way to explore the world with detailed routes, Street View, and real-time traffic insights. (OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

Waze, on the other hand, is designed primarily for drivers. It thrives on community input, offering live updates about traffic jams, road hazards, accidents and even police presence. Since Google owns Waze, many Waze-style real-time alerts have now begun appearing directly inside Google Maps. While Waze still focuses on driving, this integration blurs the lines between the two apps.

Apple Maps has made major strides in recent years. Once considered the underdog, it’s now a solid choice for iOS users. Its clean interface, privacy-focused design and seamless integration with Siri, CarPlay and Apple Watch make it a convenient pick for those fully in the Apple ecosystem.

INSTAGRAM FRIEND MAP FEATURE SPARKS PRIVACY QUESTIONS

Usability and interface

When it comes to interface, each app approaches design differently.

Google Maps provides a dense but intuitive layout, giving users access to multiple layers of information, including traffic, satellite imagery and public transit routes. Switching between driving, walking, biking and transit is straightforward, and the search functionality is robust, often displaying detailed business profiles, ratings, and hours of operation.

Waze prioritizes active driving support. Its interface is visually bold, with clear alerts for traffic jams, accidents and road hazards submitted by other users. While some may find the screen slightly cluttered, the focus is entirely on driving efficiency, which makes sense given its target audience.

Waze helps to put you on a faster route with live, community-driven alerts that help you dodge traffic jams and road hazards.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Apple Maps offers a minimalist, streamlined interface that emphasizes simplicity. Searching for locations, initiating navigation, and following turn-by-turn instructions is straightforward. The app works seamlessly with iOS features like Siri and CarPlay, providing a smooth and cohesive experience for Apple users.

Navigation accuracy and performance

Accurate routing and timely traffic updates are critical.

Google Maps remains the most reliable for precise routing and travel time estimates. It combines AI-enhanced predictive routing with historical and live traffic data to suggest the best route. Its consistency holds strong across urban and rural areas alike.

Waze is unmatched for real-time rerouting. Relying heavily on crowd-sourced reports, it often detects slowdowns or hazards before Google Maps does. However, it still struggles when offline or in areas with poor data coverage.

Apple Maps has significantly improved its routing accuracy, especially in cities. Its traffic data is now crowd-sourced from millions of iPhones, processed on-device to protect privacy. In some rural or international regions, though, it can still lag behind Google Maps and Waze.

Apple Maps offers seamless use with your iPhone and CarPlay for smooth and privacy-focused navigation.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Features and ecosystem integration

Beyond basic navigation, each app offers additional tools and integrations.

Google Maps offers offline maps, Live View AR navigation, multi-stop routing, EV charger locations and indoor maps for airports and malls. Integration with Gmail, Calendar and Google Assistant creates a seamless travel experience.

Waze remains focused on social and driving-specific features. You can report hazards or police sightings and even control Spotify, Audible or podcasts directly from the app without switching screens.

Apple Maps leans into privacy and ecosystem benefits. Its “Look Around” feature rivals Street View, while EV routing, cycling paths and Siri integration make it ideal for Apple fans. Apple also uses anonymized “Look Around” imagery to train its AI models, but with strict privacy safeguards like blurring faces and plates.

YOUR PHONE IS TRACKING YOU EVEN WHEN YOU THINK IT’S NOT

Privacy and data handling

How these apps handle your personal data matters more than ever.

Google Maps collects detailed location and usage data to power personalization and advertising. That means better recommendations, but less privacy for users who prefer anonymity.

Waze, also owned by Google, gathers anonymized driving data to enhance community reporting. Its functionality depends on sharing your location in real time, which is necessary for crowd-sourced accuracy.

Apple Maps takes a different approach. It processes most data on-device, uses random identifiers instead of personal accounts and does not associate searches with your Apple ID. That makes it the most privacy-conscious option, though even Apple collects anonymized data for traffic and route improvements.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: CyberGuy.com.

Kurt’s key takeaway

There is no single “best” navigation app, and the right choice depends on your priorities. Google Maps is ideal if you want a feature-packed, versatile app that works well for a variety of transportation modes and travel scenarios. Its global coverage and rich data make it reliable for everyday use and exploration. Waze is best if your main concern is real-time driving efficiency. Its community-driven traffic alerts and dynamic rerouting help you avoid congestion and save time during daily commutes. Apple Maps suits users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem who value simplicity, clean design and privacy protections. It may not have as many features as Google Maps or the same real-time edge as Waze, but its seamless integration with iOS makes it convenient.

Which navigation app do you rely on most for daily commuting, and why?  Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CyberGuy.com newsletter.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.