As kids pick up a controller and headset to play their favorite video games, companies across the gaming industry are working to make sure all their players are safe on their consoles.  Sean Whitcomb, Program Director for Child Safety and Education at Sony Interactive Entertainment says Sony and other major gaming brands are adding more safety measures, “We offer some family management tools that will help them create an experience that is really about uh shared boundaries and conversations that aren’t really controlling, but more about connecting.”

Young players and their parents can set up the safety tools together to ensure a fun and safe gaming environment. As these features are meant to give families full control over what is, and isn’t shared online, while also letting young gamers enjoy their favorite titles.  “We’re making it easier for this to be a safe experience that everyone is comfortable with,” says Whitcomb.

Beyond just setting up parental controls, Whitcomb encourages parents to actively participate in their kids’ gaming lives. He suggests that one of the best ways to understand what your child is playing is to join them.  He suggests, “Maybe pick up the controller and play with them too. That’s probably one of the easiest ways to understand what your child is experiencing.”

And when it comes to who your kids are playing with, Whitcomb says parents should treat the digital world like a playground, “It’s more like, well, who is this person? How old are they? Where do they live? And why do you wanna spend more time playing with them? …. So, it’s just a conversation that I really recommend parents have with their children.” 

According to Whitcomb you can also score points with your children by using Sony’s parental control features to encourage better habits away from the screen, including more game time as a reward for doing chores around the house.

What if a robot could handle cleaning, serving and even complex tasks around your home or workplace? That’s exactly what X Square Robot hopes to deliver with its latest launch. 

The company just introduced Quanta X2, a highly advanced robotic butler designed for dexterity and versatility. Alongside the robot, it unveiled Wall-OSS, an open-source artificial intelligence (AI) model meant to power robots that can adapt to unpredictable real-world tasks.

These big reveals come with a major funding boost of around $100 million in Series A+ backing led by Alibaba Cloud, with participation from HongShan, INCE Capital, Meituan, Legend Star and Legend Capital.

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.

HUMANOID ROBOTS HANDLE QUALITY CHECKS AND ASSEMBLY AT AUTO PLANT

X Square Robot announces its newest Quanta X2 model that functions as a robot butler. (X Square Robot)

Quanta X2: Built for daily life and beyond

Quanta X2 isn’t your typical robot. Standing at about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 210 pounds, it features 62 degrees of freedom for smooth, lifelike motion. Its seven-degree-of-freedom robotic arm is paired with dexterous hands that can sense pressure changes and perform delicate movements.

The robot can grip, clean or even express emotions through gestures. A modular clamp system lets it attach brushes or mop heads for 360-degree cleaning. With an arm reach of 30 inches, a payload capacity of about 13 pounds and fine precision down to 0.001 inches, Quanta X2 is designed to work in both home and industrial settings.

AI VIDEO TECH FAST-TRACKS HUMANOID ROBOT TRAINING

X Square Robot also unveiled its Wall-OSS AI model to train the advanced humanoid robots. (X Square Robot)

Wall-OSS: Smarter AI for unpredictable tasks

Alongside Quanta X2, X Square Robot introduced Wall-OSS, a new open-source embodied AI model. Trained on vision-language-action data, it helps robots “think” and act more like humans when faced with unpredictable tasks.

Unlike task-specific systems that fail outside narrow scenarios, Wall-OSS generalizes across multiple robot types. It also solves key challenges such as catastrophic forgetting and syncing vision, language and action. By reasoning, planning and executing seamlessly, robots powered by Wall-OSS can move from the lab into the messy real world.

Developers will be able to access Wall-OSS on GitHub and Hugging Face, building community-driven datasets to accelerate adoption.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

X Square Robot is bringing humanity closer to having robot butlers. (X Square Robot)

What this means for you

The dream of a robot that vacuums, delivers food or helps with complex tasks is moving closer to reality. Quanta X2 shows how robots can evolve beyond factories and into homes, hotels and offices. By open-sourcing Wall-OSS, X Square Robot is inviting developers everywhere to help build the next generation of robots. That collaboration could accelerate the day when robotic assistants become as commonplace as smartphones.

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 takeaways

X Square Robot is betting that embodied AI and open-source collaboration will finally push robots past flashy demos and into everyday life. With Quanta X2 and Wall-OSS, it is laying the groundwork for robots that don’t just perform one task, but adapt to whatever you need. The big question is whether these robots can prove reliable, affordable and safe enough for widespread use.

If a robot like Quanta X2 could do your chores, would you trust it in your home? 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.

Bad actors can use almost anything to scam you. You’ve already heard about them using personal information such as phone numbers, email addresses and government IDs to commit identity theft. But they don’t stop there. There have been reports of hackers using your home’s location on maps to blackmail you or impersonating your boss to demand money.

These are still very believable tactics, but did you know that even the luggage tags you barely notice can be misused? That’s correct. Well, now bad actors are targeting luggage tags to file for reimbursement.

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.

AIRLINES SECRETLY SOLD US TRAVELERS’ DATA TO HOMELAND SECURITY

Luggage tag scam explained and how to avoid it

An alleged baggage claims manager at Delta Air Lines has warned travelers about a growing scam that uses discarded luggage tags to commit fraud.

In a Reddit post that has since drawn thousands of comments, the worker claimed scammers are watching passengers remove their tags at baggage claim and retrieving them to submit fake claims for lost luggage. The tags often contain enough personal and travel information to file for reimbursement.

A baggage claim manager alleges that scammers are stealing travelers’ information from old bag tags. (iStock)

“There’s been an influx of fraudulent claims using tossed luggage tags,” the worker wrote. “It’s creating issues for people with legitimate claims.”

The post advises waiting until you are away from the airport before removing tags from checked bags and avoiding leaving them in hotel trash cans. Former hotel staff commenting on the post said they had seen similar fraud schemes involving tags found in guest rooms.

Travelers responding to the warning also noted that printed boarding passes can be exploited in the same way, and shared examples of airports, such as in Japan, that provide secure disposal bins for tags.

FBI WARNS OF QR CODE SCAM DISGUISED IN MYSTERY PACKAGES

An airport attendant attaches a label on a suitcase at an airline check-in desk. (iStock)

How serious is the luggage tag scam threat?

The luggage tag scam is a documented and growing problem in 2025, with airport workers, especially baggage claims staff at major airlines, reporting a surge in fraudulent lost luggage claims tied to discarded tags.

Multiple firsthand accounts confirm that processing legitimate compensation is being complicated by false claims using details found on bag tags. However, travel security experts and industry observers note that, while cases are increasing, the scam may not be extremely widespread or high-volume at this time.

Most tags only contain limited information, such as name, flight number and baggage IDs, and airlines’ tracking systems can sometimes detect if a claim is fake by reviewing baggage scan logs and RFID tagging. There are also no official warnings or statistics from major airlines, government authorities or law enforcement indicating this technique has reached epidemic levels or led to confirmed prosecutions.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Stay safe with luggage locks, door locks and anti-theft bags. (REUTERS/Vincent Alban)

7 ways to stay safe from the luggage tag scam

The luggage tag scam might not sound like the most dangerous travel threat, but ignoring it can still leave you exposed to fraud. Here are simple, effective steps to protect yourself. 

1) Remove tags only after leaving the airport

Wait until you’re at home, in your car or in another private location before taking tags off your checked bags. This prevents scammers from grabbing them in public areas. 

2) Shred or destroy old tags

Never toss tags in the trash intact. Tear them up or cut through barcodes and printed details so they can’t be reused for fake claims.

3) Avoid leaving tags in hotel rooms

Dispose of tags yourself instead of leaving them in a hotel wastebasket. Cleaning staff or other guests could find and misuse them. 

4) Secure boarding passes too

Treat printed boarding passes the same way as luggage tags. Keep them until you can destroy them securely. 

5) Be alert in baggage claim areas

Watch for anyone loitering near the carousel and observing passengers closely. Stay aware of your surroundings while handling travel documents. 

6) Use digital boarding passes when possible

Opt for mobile boarding passes instead of printed ones. This removes the risk of discarded paper passes falling into the wrong hands.

7) Limit personal details on luggage tags

Avoid printing your full home address or primary phone number. Instead, use your name, a travel-only email and either a P.O. box or work address. You can even create a simple alias email just for travel, which forwards to your main inbox but keeps your real address private. This way, airlines and honest finders can still reach you without exposing sensitive personal details to scammers.

For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com.

8) Track Your Bags with AirTags

Another way to protect yourself is by putting a small tracker inside your luggage, such as an Apple AirTag or a similar Bluetooth tracker. These devices connect to your phone and let you see where your bag is in near real-time. If your suitcase goes missing or ends up in the wrong place, you’ll know faster than waiting for the airline to track it down.

Place the tracker inside your bag rather than on the handle so it can’t be easily removed. Check its location through your phone before leaving the airport, and keep an eye on it during layovers. While AirTags can’t prevent someone from misusing an old luggage tag, they give you proof of where your bag actually is if you ever need to dispute a lost luggage claim or theft. 

Kurt’s key takeaway

While the luggage tag scam may not be widespread yet, it exploits a simple oversight that most travelers rarely consider. Until airlines and airports put better safeguards in place, the burden falls on passengers to protect their own information. That means treating something as ordinary as a bag tag like sensitive data.

What do you do with your luggage tags after your trip? 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.

Silicon Valley startup Tensor is taking a bold step into the future of driving. Unlike rivals chasing robotaxi fleets, Tensor wants consumers to own the first true self-driving car. The company calls it the world’s first personal robocar.

This luxury EV promises Level 4 autonomy, meaning you can ride with your eyes off the road while the steering wheel folds away into the dash. In its place, a wide screen transforms the driver’s seat into a lounge or mobile office.

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.

WILL AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS REPLACE DRIVERS BY 2027?

Tensor aims to have its autonomous vehicles, a prototype of which is seen in this undated photo, available for purchase by 2026. (Tensor )

Tensor robocar loaded with sensors and AI power

Tensor built this machine from the ground up. It is covered in technology: 37 cameras, five custom lidars, 11 radars, plus microphones, ultrasonics and water detectors. Each sensor includes cleaning systems to keep its view clear in any condition.

The car runs on Tensor’s own Foundation Model, a transformer-based AI designed to mimic human driving decisions. Unlike many competitors, the system works without constant cloud support. That means better privacy and no dependency on remote servers.

LUCID JOINS TESLA AND GM WITH HANDS-FREE HIGHWAY DRIVING

Unlike rivals chasing robotaxi fleets, Tensor wants consumers to own the first true self-driving car. (Tensor)

How Tensor’s robocar differs from robotaxis

Most autonomous startups, including Tensor’s earlier brand AutoX, started with robotaxi fleets. Those are easier to control since they operate in one city and return to a depot every night.

Tensor is taking a tougher path: consumer cars. That means the robocar must adapt to highways, urban roads and real-world conditions without a safety net. While it won’t drive on every road from day one, owners can take control whenever needed.

VOLKSWAGEN’S ICONIC CUTE VAN DRIVES ITSELF WITH 360-DEGREE VISION

Tensor’s robocars must adapt to more real-world conditions without a safety net. (Tensor)

Tensor’s robocar is designed for safety and luxury driving

Tensor promises full redundancy across steering, braking and computing. If one system fails, backups take over instantly. The interior design adds another layer of appeal. With retractable pedals and foldable steering, the cabin feels more like a living space than a driver’s seat.

The company partnered with VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, to manufacture the vehicle. Pricing remains under wraps, but executives admit it will exceed luxury electric vehicles like the Lucid Air.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Tensor says that its self-driving cars will be comparable to other luxury vehicles on the market. (Tensor)

What this means for you

Tensor’s approach signals a turning point. Instead of waiting for ride-hailing services to roll out self-driving fleets, consumers may soon buy autonomy outright. If successful, this could reshape not just commuting, but how we think about owning cars at all.

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 takeaways

Tensor has history on its side. Its AutoX roots gave it years of testing, including permits for driverless operation in California since 2020. Now rebranded, it’s racing to sell the first consumer-ready robocar by 2026. The gamble is big. Luxury buyers may welcome the futuristic design and privacy protections, but mass adoption will depend on trust, safety and real-world performance.

Would you hand control of your daily drive to a car that promises to drive itself? 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.

Medicare is a tempting prize for scammers. Because it’s a public program funded by taxpayers, it has a huge budget to distribute and that’s what attracts scammers. In 2024, improper payments added up to $54 billion. Some scams involve setting up fake companies to file bogus claims, while others target beneficiaries directly, stealing their personal information and denying them their right to treatment.

If you fall victim to such a scam, the consequences can range from small financial losses to actual health risks. Scammers may trick you into paying fake fees, premiums or “copays” over the phone or online. They may also go after your personal information or Medicare number to bill for services or equipment you never requested, which could leave you with less coverage when you actually need treatment.

It’s better to know what you’re up against so you don’t accidentally lose your Medicare benefits.

FBI WARNS SENIORS ABOUT BILLION-DOLLAR SCAM DRAINING RETIREMENT FUNDS, EXPERT SAYS AI DRIVING IT

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 

Patty Morris is examined by Dr. Sead Beganovic Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at an Indiana University Health Central Indiana Cancer Center. In 2023, she got the Medicare Advantage Kidney Care Plan insurance. (Kelly Wilkinson / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

What to look out for to recognize a Medicare scam

Scammers are getting more and more professional these days. With Medicare scams, fraudsters may use spoofed phone numbers, emails and websites to make their schemes seem more believable. Luckily, there are still some telltale signs to look out for.

Regardless of the communication method, phone, email, mail or in person, scammers will try to:

• Create fear or urgency
• Pressure you to act quickly
• Threaten you with consequences

Scam artists often try to create time pressure in order to compel their victims to act quickly, before they have time to think. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Scammers calling you in Medicare’s name to demand payments

Some scammers use spoofed phone numbers to impersonate Medicare representatives. They may try to trick you into paying fake fees or buying unnecessary products.

These often include:

• Fake health insurance upgrades
• “Low-cost” medical equipment
• Fake tests or genetic kits
• Discounted medication

Remember: Medicare will never call you unless you ask them to, and they will never ask for money.

If you ever owe Medicare fees, you will be contacted by mail, not by phone. Furthermore, Medicare insurance itself is free, and you will never be asked to pay fees just to keep it active.

You may only be required to pay in certain circumstances, such as a portion of the cost for a treatment or prescription drugs, but these bills will always be sent to you by mail, never via phone calls or online forms.

Scammers try to mimic these payments to steal your money

Scammers may try calling you in Medicare’s name to ask for your Medicare number or card details.

Money isn’t the only thing scammers are after; your Medicare number can be just as valuable, if not more so.

This scam follows a similar scheme: fraudsters call you pretending to be Medicare employees and ask you to provide your Medicare number for fake reasons, such as:

• Upgrading your plan
• Updating your account details
• Offering “free” drugs
• Issuing a new Medicare card
• …and more

Let me be clear: Medicare will never call you, whether it’s about paying fees, updating your account or anything else.

Scammers want your Medicare information so they can impersonate you and obtain medical supplies, prescription drugs or treatments in your name.

REMOVE YOUR DATA TO PROTECT YOUR RETIREMENT FROM SCAMMERS

Scammers calling you in Medicare’s name to extort your personal data

Your Social Security number (SSN) can be the final piece scammers need to impersonate you. During these calls, fraudsters may ask not only for your Medicare details but also for other personal information, such as your SSN, date of birth or similar data.

They often use the same excuses as when trying to obtain Medicare information, such as:

• Upgrading your plan
• Issuing new cards
• Other account-related reasons.

Let me emphasize this again: Medicare will never call you for these reasons.

Even if the phone number looks legitimate and the caller sounds professional, the moment you’re asked for personal details or payments, you know it’s a scam.

What to do if you suspect a Medicare scam

If it’s a phone call, just hang up.

You don’t need to explain yourself or engage in a conversation with scammers. If they threaten you with consequences, do not believe them; scammers use fear to pressure you into making poor decisions.

Remember: If Medicare or its service providers had important information to communicate, they would do so by mail, not by phone.

Apart from not letting scammers take advantage of you, you can also help others by:

• Reporting the fraud to Medicare at 1‑800‑MEDICARE (1‑800‑633‑4227)
• Reporting the fraud to the US Department of Health and Human Services at oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/
• Reporting the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov/

A woman checks her Medicare account on her laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to make yourself less of a target of Medicare scams

You don’t have to sit tight and hope that scammers won’t target you. Instead, you can take some active measures to make such attempts less likely.

1) Lower your online exposure

To target you, scammers first need to gather some basic information about you, like your phone number. That information and much more can be easily looked up on people search sites, platforms operated by data brokers that let people search for others. The good news is that you can opt out of these platforms. You can do it manually by visiting each website and filling out the opt-out forms or you can automate the process.

2) Use a data removal service to help you

Data removal services work on your behalf to erase personal details like your phone number, address and email from people-search sites and data broker databases. By reducing the amount of information available online, these services make it harder for scammers to find and target you. Many of them also monitor whether your data reappears, so you stay protected over time without having to constantly check dozens of sites yourself.

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 come after 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) Monitor your Medicare statements regularly

Always review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or Explanation of Benefits (EOBs). These statements show what services have been billed in your name. If you see charges for services, equipment or prescriptions you never received, report it right away. Quick action can stop fraud before it impacts your care.

4) Use identity theft protection services

Identity theft protection tools can alert you if your Social Security number, Medicare number or other sensitive details show up on the dark web or are used to open new accounts. These services can also guide you through recovery if scammers misuse your information.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at CyberGuy.com.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Kurt’s key takeaways

Medicare scams are designed to exploit fear, urgency and confusion. By recognizing the warning signs and knowing what Medicare will and will not do, you can stay one step ahead of fraudsters. Protecting your personal information and reducing your online exposure are key to keeping your coverage safe. With a few smart habits, you can make yourself a less appealing target and help others by reporting scams when you see them.

Have you or someone you know ever been targeted by a Medicare scam, 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.

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.