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Historic Bethlehem brings back Christmas celebrations after Gaza war’s two-year hiatus

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Historic Bethlehem brings back Christmas celebrations after Gaza war's two-year hiatus

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Christmas cheer will be returning to the historic city of Bethlehem in the West Bank after a two-year pause due to the war in Gaza. 

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati announced that festivities will return starting Dec. 6, with a Christmas tree lighting in famous Manger Square.

“From the heart of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, the city of peace — once again, we ignite the flame of hope and raise our prayers for peace,” said the mayor in a video posted to Instagram.

HISTORIC ITALIAN VILLAGE CREDITED FOR FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND CHRISTMAS NATIVITY SCENE DRAWS CROWDS FOR 800 YEARS

“Let us celebrate together the message of Christmas,” he added. “Glory to God in the highest — on earth, peace, goodwill to all. Bethlehem keeps the light alive.”

Located in the center of Bethlehem, Manger Square is named for the manger in which Jesus was laid after his birth.

The city of Bethlehem has announced that Christmas celebrations will return starting Dec. 6, after a two-year pause due to the war in Gaza. (Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images)

Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, told Fox News Digital it is encouraging to see the “little town of Bethlehem” once again celebrating the birth of “the most important person in history.”

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He added, “While we rejoice in this temporary peace agreement, which has led to a cessation of hostilities in the area, we should recognize that such a peace is only temporary.”

People attend the lighting of a Christmas tree in Manger Square, outside the Church of the Nativity in the West Bank town of Bethlehem at night

Thousands of pilgrims and tourists from around the world travel to Bethlehem during the holiday season. (Issam Rimawi/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Jefress continued, “The Bible teaches there will be no lasting peace in the Middle East until the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, returns to earth to establish his kingdom.”

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Thousands of pilgrims and tourists from around the world travel to Bethlehem during the holiday season.

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In 2019, the mayor at the time, Anton Salman, told Time Magazine he was expecting 1.4 million visitors for Christmas festivities.

The Church of the Nativity was built over the grotto (pictured), which is traditionally identified as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

The Church of the Nativity was built over the grotto (pictured), which is traditionally identified as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

“I have been mayor for 2.5 years,” he said that year. “I have celebrated Christmas for three seasons and each season, [celebrations] are more organized and more attractive for the local community and for tourists.”

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The Church of the Nativity was recently renovated in 2019 and built over the grotto traditionally identified as the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

AI-powered Gaia Family transforms IVF with predictable pricing model

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In-vitro fertilization (IVF) can take a serious toll on families, not only emotionally but financially, especially when every cycle comes with new bills and no clear sense of what the full journey might cost. Gaia Family aims to change that by removing the guesswork around pricing with a blend of tech and AI-driven forecasting. Instead of worrying about unpredictable costs, couples pay a fixed upfront price or monthly installments that cover their planned IVF treatment, medications, embryo transfers and built-in protections if cycles or transfers aren’t successful. It gives families a clearer path forward and support that lasts through the entire process.

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ROBOTS POWER BREAKTHROUGH IN PREGNANCY RESEARCH, BOOSTING IVF SUCCESS RATES

A baby grasping a finger

Artificial intelligence is giving hopeful parents more clarity about their chances over multiple IVF cycles, helping them plan their journey with clearer expectations instead of guesswork. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How Gaia Family was born

Gaia Family was founded by Nader AlSalim, a former Goldman Sachs executive who knew the IVF struggle firsthand. After spending over $50,000 across five IVF rounds in multiple countries, he and his wife finally had a son. The experience left him frustrated by how little clarity the system offered and how emotionally draining the process could be.

He saw that most fertility systems were built around procedures, not people. His goal with Gaia Family was to build something different, a program that uses data to empower families instead of leaving them to navigate uncertainty and mounting debt. That personal experience became the foundation of Gaia Family’s mission to bring agency, transparency and compassion to fertility care.

TRUMP ROLLS OUT PLAN TO SLASH IVF COSTS FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES THROUGH NEW PHARMA PARTNERSHIP

Baby onesies around a pregnancy test

Gaia Family gives families one fixed IVF price with built-in protection and full support every step of the way.  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How Gaia Family’s plan works

  • Choose your clinic: Gaia partners with more than 100 fertility clinics across the U.S.
  • Get your personalized quote: Your doctor designs your treatment plan, and Gaia uses it to calculate your fixed cost upfront.
  • Start with confidence: Pay monthly or upfront, then begin treatment knowing all your major expenses are covered.

If a cycle doesn’t result in viable embryos, Gaia’s built-in protection covers another attempt, helping families try again without financial shock. Once you have viable embryos, your Gaia Plan allows you unlimited frozen embryo transfers (usually $5,000 each) at no extra cost until you have a baby. And, if none of those transfers result in a live birth, then Gaia will give you money towards another cycle. Plus, you have the option of including all of your PGT-A testing and your medication for a fixed cost, so you have even more protection throughout your journey. AlSalim, tells CyberGuy the company’s mission goes beyond technology.

“At Gaia Family, we’re using AI not to replace the human element of fertility care, but to bring more confidence to it,” AlSalim said. “Fertility treatment can feel like a game of chance — our technology helps turn it into a guided, informed journey. By analyzing millions of data points, we can forecast the most effective and affordable pathway for each individual, so patients can make decisions grounded in data rather than uncertainty. Ultimately, it’s about giving hopeful parents more agency, transparency, and peace of mind in one of the most emotional experiences of their lives.”

SKIN DNA BREAKTHROUGH COULD LET 60-YEAR-OLD WOMEN HAVE GENETICALLY RELATED KIDS

A mother holding a baby

For many couples, this combination of data and compassion is transforming uncertainty into confidence and renewed hope. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why Gaia Family’s model matters

IVF in the United States can cost as much as $30,000 per cycle, and most couples need several tries. Each failed attempt adds more bills and stress. Gaia Family’s fixed-cost model gives families financial predictability while keeping them emotionally supported. It also encourages clinics to focus on outcomes rather than repeated treatments.

This approach is transforming how people view fertility care. Instead of relying on luck, families can benefit from AI insights to make better decisions. While it may not lower the medical costs yet, it changes how couples experience one of life’s most emotional challenges, turning fear into informed planning and despair into hope. Gaia removes the spiraling costs, making couples’ outcomes so much more cost-efficient.

What this means for you

If you are thinking about IVF or egg freezing, Gaia Family’s model could make your path more manageable. It provides upfront transparency about costs, protection against financial loss and a data-driven forecast of success. It helps you make decisions based on evidence rather than guesswork.

Still, while AI can analyze data patterns, it cannot alter biology. Factors like age, health and genetics continue to shape outcomes. Even so, Gaia Family’s system gives couples a sense of control that traditional fertility care rarely provides by serving everyone, with no eligibility criteria in terms of age or health factors. Knowing that your finances are protected can ease stress and allow you to focus on what matters most: building your family. 

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Gaia Family is blending AI and empathy to rewrite how fertility care works. It replaces uncertainty with insight and transforms risk into reassurance. For many, it’s not just about technology, it’s about restoring hope and fairness to one of life’s most personal journeys.

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Would you trust artificial intelligence to guide your path to becoming a parent? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Michelle Obama says America ‘not ready’ for woman president after Harris loss

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Michelle Obama says America ‘not ready’ for woman president after Harris loss

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Former first lady Michelle Obama said Americans are “not ready” to elect a woman to the White House, citing former Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential election loss to President Donald Trump.

Obama made the comments to a crowd of women at the Brooklyn Academy of Music while promoting her new book, “The Look.”

“As we saw in this past election, sadly, we ain’t ready,” she said on Friday.

MICHELLE OBAMA RELEASING STYLE BOOK AFTER LOOKS ‘CONSTANTLY DISSECTED’ IN WHITE HOUSE

Former first lady Michelle Obama said Americans are “not ready” for a woman president. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

“That’s why I’m like, don’t even look at me about running, because you all are lying. You’re not ready for a woman. You are not,” she continued.

The former first lady went on to say that she does not believe men in America are comfortable with a woman leading them.

“You know, we’ve got a lot of growing up to do, and there’s still, sadly, a lot of men who do not feel like they can be led by a woman, and we saw it,” Obama said.

HARRIS REVEALS CRUDE HYPOTHETICALS ON ABORTION, VIAGRA REHEARSED BEFORE TRUMP DEBATE

Barack and Michelle Obama

The former first lady said she does not believe men in America are comfortable with a woman leading them. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

In her book, which was released on Nov. 4, Obama touches on her journey with fashion, hair and beauty, as well as her time in the White House as the first Black woman to serve as first lady. She wrote that women in politics are often judged based on their physical appearance instead of their ability to lead.

“During our family’s time in the White House, the way I looked was constantly being dissected — what I wore, how my hair was styled. For a while now, I’ve been wanting to reclaim more of that story, to share it in my own way. I’m thankful to be at a stage in life where I feel comfortable expressing myself freely — wearing what I love and doing what feels true to me. And I’m excited to share some of what I’ve learned along the way,” Obama wrote on Facebook in June while promoting her book ahead of its release.

Harris, Trump

Former first lady Michelle Obama said Americans are “not ready” to elect a woman to the White House, citing former Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to President Donald Trump. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

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“‘The Look’ is about more than fashion. It’s about confidence. It’s about identity. It’s about the power of authenticity. My hope is that this book sparks conversation and reflection about the ways we see ourselves — and the way our society defines beauty,” she added.

Pennsylvania may join other states welcoming flying car technology

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Pennsylvania may soon join the few states ready to welcome flying cars. State Sen. Marty Flynn from the 22nd District has reintroduced Senate Bill 1077, also known as the Jetsons Act, during the 2025-2026 Regular Session.

The proposal amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, creating a new legal category for roadable aircraft. These vehicles would have the unique ability to operate both on public roads as motor vehicles and in the air as aircraft.

The legislation was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee on Nov. 5, 2025. Although a similar version failed to pass last session, Flynn remains committed to positioning Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced transportation technology. He believes that laying the groundwork now will allow the state to adapt quickly when these vehicles become commercially viable.

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THE WORLD’S FIRST FLYING CAR IS READY FOR TAKEOFF

View of the Pennsylvania Sate Capitol building

Lawmakers hope clear rules today will make tomorrow’s skyways as safe as the highways below. (Rachel Wisniewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Why this bill matters

Technology is advancing faster than most laws can keep up. The rise of advanced air mobility is blurring the line between cars and aircraft.

Several companies, including Alef AeronauticsSamson Sky and CycloTech, are developing vehicles that can take off vertically or transform from cars to small aircraft within minutes.

Some states are already laying the groundwork for this new era. Minnesota and New Hampshire have passed legislation formally recognizing “roadable aircraft,” making them the first states to treat flying cars as both vehicles and aircraft under state law. Pennsylvania now hopes to follow their lead with its own version through Senator Marty Flynn’s Jetsons Act.

At the same time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun approving real-world tests. In 2023, the FAA granted a Special Airworthiness Certificate to SpaceX-backed Alef Aeronautics for its Model A prototype, allowing it to operate on roads and in the air for research and development. That approval marked the first time a flying car received official clearance for combined ground and flight testing in the United States.

Senator Flynn wants Pennsylvania to be part of this growing national conversation. In his co-sponsorship memo, he explained that proactive legislation will help the state prepare for the next wave of innovation.

WOULD YOU BUY THE WORLD’S FIRST PERSONAL ROBOCAR?

An Alef flying car in a showroom

The Alef flying car is made of ultra light material, allowing it to fly and drive on roads. (Alef Aeronautics)

How the Jetsons Act would work

Under Senate Bill 1077, Pennsylvania would officially define a “roadable aircraft” as a hybrid vehicle capable of both driving and flying. These vehicles would need to register with the state, display a unique registration plate and meet standard inspection requirements. When operated on highways or city streets, they would be subject to the same rules as other vehicles. When used in flight, they would remain under federal aviation oversight.

The bill also clarifies how drivers and pilots must transition between ground and air operations safely. It allows take-offs and landings only in approved areas, except during emergencies. Flynn emphasizes that clear definitions and consistent oversight will prevent confusion for both motorists and law enforcement. He hopes this clarity will also encourage manufacturers to consider Pennsylvania a test site for future flying car technologies.

CHINESE AUTO GIANT WANTS TO MAKE FLYING CARS YOUR NEXT COMMUTE OPTION

A CycloTech flying car

Pennsylvania’s Jetsons Act aims to prepare the state for the future of flying cars before they take off. (CycloTech)

What this means for you

If you live in Pennsylvania, this bill could one day change how you think about personal transportation. While flying cars remain in development, legislation like this sets the stage for their eventual arrival. Drivers may one day register, inspect and insure a flying car just like a regular vehicle. Pilots could use the same roadways to reach take-off zones before switching to flight mode.

Even for residents who never plan to own a flying car, the ripple effects could be significant. New rules may influence local zoning, airspace management and infrastructure planning. Communities might see new vertiports or designated landing pads as part of urban development. Insurance companies and safety regulators will need to rethink how they handle this new class of hybrid travel.

The bill also signals a broader change in how states approach innovation. Rather than waiting for federal action, Pennsylvania wants to establish a framework that welcomes new technologies while protecting public safety.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Senator Flynn’s Jetsons Act might sound futuristic, but it reflects a growing reality in transportation. As autonomous vehicles, drones and hybrid aircraft evolve, state governments must adapt to keep up. This legislation shows Pennsylvania’s willingness to lead rather than follow. While it may take years before you see a flying car parked in your driveway, the groundwork is already being laid. Lawmakers are thinking ahead about licensing, safety and how to integrate flying cars into existing traffic systems. That forward-thinking approach could one day make Pennsylvania one of the first states to see cars take to the sky.

Do you think flying cars will ever be for everyday folks, or will they stay a luxury reserved for the wealthy? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Latest Blog from RPR Comando: “How To Use Remarketing To Increase Conversions”. Have you ever visited a website, browsed through products, and then noticed those same items popping up in your ads later? That’s remarketing at work. #BookMarketing #VideoShorts #PressReleaseMarketing #RPRComando  https://rprcomando.com/how-to-use-remarketing-to-increase-conversions/

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Latest Blog from RPR Comando: “How To Use Remarketing To Increase Conversions”. Have you ever visited a website, browsed through products, and then noticed those same items popping up in your ads later? That’s remarketing at work. #BookMarketing #VideoShorts #PressReleaseMarketing #RPRComando  https://rprcomando.com/how-to-use-remarketing-to-increase-conversions/ 22

Deadly pathogens found in Napoleon’s 1812 Russian retreat soldiers

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Deadly pathogens found in Napoleon's 1812 Russian retreat soldiers

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Scientists say they’ve discovered traces of the deadly pathogens that ravaged Napoleon’s soldiers during his doomed 1812 retreat from Russia — offering a clearer picture of the circumstances of the French general’s downfall.

A study published in the journal Current Biology on Nov. 3 analyzed DNA from the teeth of French soldiers who were buried in a mass grave in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The soldiers served under Napoleon during his disastrous invasion of Russia in the winter of 1812. They were among the roughly 300,000 French Grande Armée soldiers who perished in the campaign.

ANCIENT ESTATE TIED TO GROUP IN THE BIBLE UNEARTHED WITH ‘FASCINATING’ TREASURES IN ISRAEL

The teeth contained bacteria that causes paratyphoid fever and louse-borne relapsing fever, said the researchers — indicating that several infections circulated among the soldiers who were weakened by hunger and the freezing temperatures.

These two pathogens had not been identified previously among Napoleon’s soldiers, though historians have documented the harsh conditions of their deaths for over two centuries.

Scientists say new DNA evidence from a Vilnius mass grave reveals deadly infections among Napoleon’s retreating soldiers. (Fine Art Images/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

After marching into Moscow, Napoleon’s campaign quickly unraveled. The French emperor was forced to retreat amid the harsh Russian winter, dwindling supplies and fierce counterattacks.

Study author Nicolás Rascovan, speaking to Reuters, said Vilnius “was a key waypoint on the 1812 retreat route.” The mass grave contains the remains of up to 3,000 soldiers.

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“Many soldiers arrived exhausted, starving and ill,” the microbiologist said. 

“A substantial number died there and were interred rapidly in mass graves.”

“[The study] lets us put names to infections that symptom-based accounts alone cannot resolve.”

Rascovan said that starvation, numbing temperatures and typhus were long known as major causes of death, but that the study conclusively proves that paratyphoid fever and louse-borne relapsing fever were also present.

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These “may have contributed to debilitation and mortality,” Rascovan added.

Four of the 13 soldiers tested positive for the paratyphoid fever bacterium, while two others tested positive for the relapsing fever bacterium. 

Etching of Napoleon with troops on horseback

The findings shed light on the health crises that compounded Napoleon’s military collapse in 1812. (The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

Both bacterial infections cause fever, headache and weakness, and can spread quickly in crowded, unsanitary conditions.

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Paratyphoid fever is spread through food and water, while louse-borne relapsing fever is spread by body lice.

Rascovan emphasized that studying ancient DNA “lets us put names to infections that symptom-based accounts alone cannot resolve.”

Famous painting of Napoleon on horseback

Napoleon’s Grande Armée faced hunger, exhaustion and infection as the troops fled Russia’s brutal winter conditions. (VCG Wilson/Corbis via Getty Images)

“The co-occurrence of pathogens with different transmission routes underscores how dire sanitary conditions were,” he said. 

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“Future work across more sites and individuals will refine the disease landscape of 1812.”

Reuters contributed reporting.

Las Vegas lawmakers consider reviving disbanded court to boost tourism

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Las Vegas lawmakers consider reviving disbanded court to boost tourism

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A disbanded court in Las Vegas may come back to life as lawmakers look to attract visitors to revive Sin City tourism.

Vegas tourism has continued to decline, with just over 3 million visitors in September, an 8.8% decrease from the same time last year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCA).

A specialized court was created in 2022 to handle offenses such as petty theft, assault, drug violations and loitering, with penalties including banning offenders from the Strip for a year. 

‘IT’S NUTS’: SKY-HIGH LAS VEGAS PRICES STUN VISITORS AS TRAVEL PRO GIVES TIPS TO FIGHT BACK

The Resort Corridor Court, however, was disbanded less than two years later after judges raised concerns about its legality.

Supporters of the unique court — mainly casino and resort owners — have backed an amendment to Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo’s new crime package, The Associated Press reported.

Nevada’s unique Resort Corridor Court could return after being disbanded. (iStock)

The Resort Corridor Court was the first and only of its kind — an entity just for crime outside tourist hot spots, AP said. 

Nevada Resort Association president Virginia Valentine told the outlet the move to revive it is necessary.

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“It’s important for the safety of our guests and for our employees in the workplace,” said Valentine.

Workers’ unions are also backing the amendment, calling for better safety practices. 

People eating outside at Mon Ami Gabi in Las Vegas.

The specialized court was created several years ago. The goal was to handle crime on the Strip, with the possibility of banning offenders for a year.  (Michael Anthony for Fox News Digital)

Culinary Union Local 226 secretary-treasurer Ted Pappageorge told AP the court would help deter crime by protecting workers.

Pappageorge emphasized the importance of customer safety to sustain the local economy.

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If tourists don’t feel safe and instead go to different areas, workers lose business.

Fox News Digital reached out to Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley for comment. 

las vegas police car on strip at night

Violent crime in Vegas is down 3.5% from the same time last year, while shoplifting rose 12.6%, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. (iStock)

While violent crime is down 3.5% from the same time last year, shoplifting rose 12.6% and purse snatching went down 17.9%, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Rick Harrison of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas recently told Fox News Digital that, in his view, Las Vegas crime numbers are “skewed.”

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“You have all of Clark County here and that is the population you get, but sometimes you almost double the population, [given] the amount of tourists,” said Harrison. 

He added of the police, “I think Metro and Las Vegas do an unbelievably good job.”

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Republican Lombardo’s crime package, called the “Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act,” also proposes increased penalties for repeat offenders as well as a long list of crimes, including smash-and-grab robberies, possession of child pornography, assault and battery against hospitality employees, and DUIs involving death, according to AP. 

It also would expand crimes such as stalking to include cyberstalking.

The Associated Press contributed reporting. 

Fake Geek Squad scam email tricks users with phony invoices and charges

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You open your inbox and see a message titled “Payment order settled” with an official-looking invoice from Geek Squad. At first glance, it looks legitimate. It includes your email address and even a phone number for help. That is exactly what happened when I received one of these messages this week.

This new Geek Squad scam email is designed to make you panic, call the fake number and share sensitive information before realizing it is a trap. Before you know it, your curiosity could turn into a costly mistake, so let’s look at the red flags to watch for and how you can protect yourself.

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THE #1 GOOGLE SEARCH SCAM EVERYONE FALLS FOR

Woman holds her face after looking at her computer

Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are flooding inboxes, seeking to trick recipients into handing over private financial information. (pixelfit/Getty Images)

Red flags that give the scam away

When I looked closer, several warning signs stood out:

  • The email said “Dear User” instead of using my name.
  • It also says TO: KAREN HILL, which is obviously not me.
  • The sender’s address was from a Gmail account, not Geek Squad.
  • It listed a phone number urging me to call customer support to cancel the renewal or my account will be debited.
  • The invoice said $580.57 would be charged for a two-year Geek Squad subscription, even though I never signed up for one.

These details are meant to create urgency and push you to react before thinking.

BEWARE FAKE CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT RESTRICTION SCAMS

A fake Geek Squad invoice email

This fake Geek Squad invoice looks professional, but small red flags, like a generic greeting, expose the scam. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How the scam works

The scam depends on fear and confusion. Once you call the number, the person on the line sounds polite and professional. They might say they need to verify your payment or reverse a charge. In reality, they are trying to get your credit card number or convince you to install software that gives them access to your computer.

In some cases, they claim to refund too much money by accident and ask you to send part of it back. That is how victims lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

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

A woman typing on a computer

Scammers want you to panic and call their number. Remember, real companies never ask for sensitive details over the phone or email. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Why these scam emails look so real

Scammers have refined their tactics. In this Geek Squad scam email I received, they copied the official logo, used clean layouts and included my actual email address to make it look legitimate. They often get this information from data leaks or security breaches found online.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) now makes these scams even harder to spot. It helps scammers write natural messages, design fake invoices and create support scripts that sound real. With these tools, they can make almost anyone believe the email is genuine.

Always pause before reacting. Read carefully, check the sender and question anything that feels suspicious. If you want to stay one step ahead, here are some other things that can help keep you safe.

How to stay safe from scam emails

Scam emails like the fake Geek Squad invoice are becoming more common and more convincing. They use fear and urgency to make you click or call before you think. Protecting yourself means slowing down, verifying every detail and strengthening your digital defenses. Here is how you can stay safe.

1) Do not call or click anything in the email, and use strong antivirus software

The phone number or link in the message connects you directly to scammers, so don’t click or call.  Once you engage, they can pressure you into sharing personal details or even install harmful software on your device. The moment I saw that “Payment order settled” email, I realized something was off because I don’t even have a Geek Squad account. That alone was a major red flag. If you ever get a message about a service you never signed up for, delete it right away. Instead of calling the number in the message, go to the official Best Buy or Geek Squad website to confirm if there is a real issue with your account. Also, sign up for strong antivirus software. Antivirus software acts as your digital guard. It scans downloads, detects malicious links and warns you before dangerous sites load. Choose a trusted program that updates automatically and includes email protection features. This extra layer of defense can prevent malware from taking hold if you accidentally click something suspicious.

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

2) Check the sender’s email address carefully

Scammers often use email addresses that look real but have slight differences, such as extra numbers, misspelled words, or unusual domains. A genuine Geek Squad or Best Buy email will come from @bestbuy.com. Always hover over the sender’s name to see the actual address before responding.

3) Never share personal or payment details with unexpected callers

If someone contacts you claiming to be from Geek Squad or Best Buy, stay calm and skeptical. Real companies do not ask for banking details, gift card payments, or remote access to your computer over the phone. Hang up and contact the company directly through its verified website or customer service number.

4) Use a data removal service

Many scams start with stolen or leaked personal data. A data removal service can help delete your information from data broker sites that sell contact lists to marketers and scammers. Reducing your digital footprint makes it harder for criminals to target you with fake invoices or phishing emails.

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.

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5) Watch your bank and credit card statements

Even with precautions, it is smart to monitor your accounts. Check your bank and credit card activity weekly for any charges you do not recognize. If you see something suspicious, contact your financial institution right away to report and dispute the charge.

6) Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds another barrier between you and scammers. Even if someone steals your password, they cannot log in without the secondary code sent to your phone or authentication app. Turn on 2FA for your email, online shopping and banking accounts.

7) Use strong, unique passwords

Weak or repeated passwords make you an easy target. Create long, unique passwords for each account. A password manager can securely store them and generate complex combinations that are hard to guess or crack.

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. 

Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 at Cyberguy.com.

8) Update your software regularly

Old software is one of the easiest ways for hackers to slip in. Keep your operating system, browser and security programs updated. Turn on automatic updates so you do not have to think about it. These patches often close known security holes that scammers exploit.

9) Check official accounts before panicking

Before reacting to any invoice or payment alert, go straight to the official account or service mentioned, such as Geek Squad, PayPal, Amazon or your bank. Log in directly through their website or app to verify the details. If nothing shows up there, the email is a scam. This quick step can save you from a costly mistake.

10) Report the email as phishing

Reporting suspicious emails helps stop scammers from targeting others. Most email services, including Gmail, Outlook and Yahoo, allow you to mark messages as phishing. You can also forward the email to reportphishing@apwg.org, which goes to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), or to abuse@bestbuy.com to alert the proper teams.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Receiving one of these fake invoices can be stressful, but remember that many people get the same message every day. The goal is to recognize the signs, refuse to respond and report them to protect others.

Have you ever received a convincing scam email like this? How did you handle it? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Tennessee police officer crashes with state trooper during VP Vance’s motorcade

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Tennessee police officer crashes with state trooper during VP Vance’s motorcade

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A police officer in Tennessee is in critical condition after a crash with a state trooper during Vice President JD Vance’s motorcade on Friday.

The incident happened in Maryville, Tennessee, according to officials.

The Maryville police officer, who was riding a motorcycle at the time of the collision, and the state trooper were supporting the vice president’s motorcade.

AT LEAST 1 DEAD, 2 CRITICAL AFTER VANDERBILT LIFEFLIGHT HELICOPTER CRASH IN TENNESSEE; NTSB INVESTIGATING

The trooper was transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. (Getty Images)

The injured officer was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in critical condition.

“We ask everyone to keep the officer, family and the medical staff in your prayers,” Maryville Police Chief Tony Crisp said in a statement. “All of us at the Maryville Police Department appreciate the concern and outpouring of support from this incredible community.”

CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO KILL WOMAN HE FOLLOWED HOME FROM NASHVILLE CONCERT

Vice President JD Vance in dark suit and red tie speaking

Officials said the incident happened during an “executive protection mission” involving multiple law enforcement agencies. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)

The trooper was also transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.

“The incident took place during an executive protection mission involving multiple law enforcement agencies,” the agency said in a statement.

jd vance sitting

Vice President JD Vance was in East Tennessee for a private fundraising event. (Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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Vance was in east Tennessee for a private fundraising event Friday evening, WBIR reported.