Rental car drivers are now turning to artificial intelligence to protect themselves from surprise damage fees. Major companies, such as Hertz and Sixt, have begun using automated inspection tools to detect scratches and dents. While these scanners promise efficiency, they have sparked backlash from renters who say they were unfairly billed for minor blemishes.

To level the playing field, new consumer-focused apps are stepping in. Proofr, which launched recently, gives renters the ability to generate secure, time-stamped before-and-after photos of their vehicles. The app uses AI to detect even subtle changes, then encrypts and stores the images so they cannot be altered.

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AI-POWERED SELF-DRIVING SOFTWARE IS DISRUPTING THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY

AI-powered damage detection apps like Proofr could change the way rental car companies report vehicle damage. (Proofr)

How the AI-powered damage detection app works

Created by 21-year-old college student Eric Kuttner, Founder and CEO of Proofr, the app helps drivers create tamper-proof evidence when renting a car. Proofr secures every scan with geotags and timestamps, while its AI automatically flags potential damage or changes. It then organizes everything into smart, exportable reports, giving renters strong leverage against unfair claims.

Instead of juggling dozens of photos in your camera roll, Proofr streamlines the process. With just eight quick scans, you get a detailed before-and-after report in under a minute. You can also generate polished PDF reports instantly, which helps with rental agencies, landlords, or insurance claims. Although cars are the main focus, people also use Proofr for Airbnbs, eBay listings, moving into apartments, and even documenting valuables. About 85% rely on it for car rentals, while 15% use it to protect themselves in vacation homes.

By combining secure evidence with AI-powered detection, Proofr positions itself as a must-have travel hack. More than a convenience, it can save travelers real money by preventing hidden fees and leveling the playing field against large agencies.

The app is free to download, while full features require a Pro subscription: $2.89 weekly, $9.90 monthly, or $89.90 annually. Pricing is standardized in the US, and Apple automatically adjusts it for local currencies, taxes, and exchange rates in other countries.

Competition in the AI damage space

Proofr is not the only player. Ravin AI originally worked with Avis and Hertz but shifted its focus toward insurers and dealerships. Still, the company now offers a free demo on its website, allowing drivers to scan their vehicles and compare damage before and after rentals.

Ravin’s system has been trained on two billion images over ten years. However, like Proofr, it is not perfect. Testers have noted missed paint chips and false positives from reflections. Both companies admit that lighting, angles, and photo quality remain challenges.

LUCID JOINS TESLA AND GM WITH HANDS-FREE HIGHWAY DRIVING

Some companies are implementing physical scanners to detect damage to rental vehicles. (ProovStation)

Why rental companies are under fire

The frustration comes as rental agencies roll out AI inspection systems from firms such as UVeye and ProovStation. Sixt, for example, has already installed ProovStation’s AI-powered scanners at several U.S. airport locations, including Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, and Maui, with more on the way in Orlando, Washington, and Nashville. These scanners automatically photograph vehicles at the start and end of each rental. The system then compares images to flag potential damage, which is later reviewed by staff before any claim is issued.

Critics argue these automated tools can turn every small scratch into a profit source. Some even point to ProovStation’s own marketing, which describes routine inspections as “gold mines of untapped opportunities.” Industry experts stress that companies should only pursue claims for significant damage, not charge hundreds for tiny scuffs.

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Rental car company Sixt has already installed ProovStation scanners at several U.S. airports. (ProovStation)

What this means for you

If you rent cars regularly, AI is already shaping your experience. Rental companies are using automated inspections to justify new charges, sometimes for barely visible marks. Apps like Proofr and Ravin give you the same technology, but on your side. By scanning your car before and after your rental, you create a digital record that can help you challenge unfair claims.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The rental car industry is in the middle of a technology shift. What was once a quick glance by an employee is now a machine-driven process that can generate steep charges. Consumer apps bring transparency, but they also highlight the growing need for fairness in damage claims.

Would you trust an AI app to protect you from rental car fees or do you think rental companies should change their policies first? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Columbia University recently confirmed a major cyberattack that compromised personal, financial, and health-related information tied to students, applicants, and employees. The victims include current and former students, employees, and applicants. Notifications to affected individuals began on August 7 and are continuing on a rolling basis.

Columbia, one of the oldest Ivy League universities, discovered the breach after a network outage in June. According to Columbia, the disruption was caused by an unauthorized party that accessed its systems and stole sensitive data. Investigators are still assessing the full scope of the theft.

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TRANSUNION BECOMES LATEST VICTIM IN MAJOR WAVE OF SALESFORCE-LINKED CYBERATTACKS, 4.4M AMERICANS AFFECTED

Students are seen on the campus of Columbia University on April 14, 2025, in New York City. (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

What information was stolen?

According to a breach notification filed with the Maine Attorney General’s office, nearly 869,000 individuals were affected by the Columbia breach. This number includes students, employees, applicants, and, in some cases, family members. Media outlets also reported that the threat actor claimed to have stolen approximately 460 gigabytes of data from Columbia’s systems.

Columbia confirmed that the stolen information relates to admissions, enrollment, and financial aid records, as well as certain employee data. The categories of exposed information include:

• Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers
• Contact details and demographic information
• Academic history and financial aid records
• Insurance details and certain health information

Columbia emphasized that patient records from Columbia University Irving Medical Center were not affected. Still, the breadth of stolen data poses serious risks of identity theft and fraud.

DIOR DATA BREACH EXPOSES US CUSTOMERS’ PERSONAL INFORMATION

Columbia University Campus.  (Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Columbia University response

Columbia has reported the incident to law enforcement and is working with cybersecurity experts. The university said it has strengthened its systems with new safeguards and enhanced protocols to prevent future incidents.

Starting August 7, Columbia began mailing letters to those affected, offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring, fraud consultation, and identity theft restoration services.

When contacted, Columbia referred CyberGuy to its official community updates, published on June 24 and August 5.

While the university says there is no evidence that the stolen data has been misused so far, the risk remains high. Criminals often wait months before exploiting stolen data.

NEARLY A MILLION PATIENTS HIT BY DAVITA DIALYSIS RANSOMWARE ATTACK

Columbia University says a June network outage is to blame for the breach. (Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Steps to protect yourself after the Columbia University breach

If you are among those affected, or simply want to safeguard your data, take these steps today:

1) Monitor your credit reports

Check your credit reports regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts you did not open or changes you did not authorize. 

2) Use a personal data removal service

Since Columbia confirmed that stolen files may include names, addresses, and demographic details, consider using a personal data removal service. These services help scrub your information from data brokers and people-search sites, making it harder for criminals to exploit exposed details. This step reduces the chance that stolen Columbia records are linked to your broader online identity.

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/Delete

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan

3) Set up fraud alerts and freezes

Placing a fraud alert makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. A credit freeze offers even stronger protection by blocking new credit applications.

4) Use strong and unique passwords

Create long, complex passwords for each account. A password manager can help generate and securely store them.

Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our #1 password manager (see Cyberguy.com/Passwords) 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/Passwords

5) Enable two-factor authentication

Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This extra layer of security helps protect your accounts even if a password is stolen.

6) Watch for phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software

Scammers may try to exploit fear around the breach with fake emails or texts. Verify any message before clicking links or sharing personal information.

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 & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com/LockUpYourTech 

7) Consider identity theft protection services

Beyond the free credit monitoring Columbia offers, additional paid services can help track your data across the dark web and provide extra safeguards.

Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number, and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account.  They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

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

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The Columbia University breach shows how even trusted institutions are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Because the investigation is ongoing and notifications will continue through the fall, individuals should remain on high alert. With so much personal, financial, and health information exposed, staying alert long after the headlines fade is critical.

What more should universities and large institutions be required to do to safeguard the personal data of the people who trust them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Thousands of people have had their sensitive personal information exposed in a data breach at U.S. delivery company OnTrac. The breach occurred between April 13 and April 15, 2025, and impacted over 40,000 individuals across the country.

OnTrac operates 64 facilities in 31 states and runs four major sorting centers nationwide. The company, acquired by LaserShip in 2021, has annual revenues of roughly $1.5 billion.

The breach notification letters confirm that attackers accessed sensitive data that can fuel identity theft and fraud.

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TRANSUNION BECOMES LATEST VICTIM IN MAJOR WAVE OF SALESFORCE-LINKED CYBERATTACKS, 4.4M AMERICANS AFFECTED

OnTrac data breach puts tens of thousands at risk of identity theft, exposing personal information including Social Security numbers. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

OnTrac data breach exposes sensitive information

According to documents filed with the Maine Attorney General, cybercriminals may have gained access to:

• Names and dates of birth
• Social Security numbers (SSNs)
• Driver’s license or state IDs
• Medical information
• Health insurance information

Unlike stolen credit cards, medical data and SSNs cannot simply be replaced. That makes this breach especially dangerous.

Why the OnTrac breach puts your identity at risk

Exposed SSNs and IDs create serious risks of identity theft. Criminals could open fraudulent bank accounts, file false tax returns or take over benefits.

The exposure of medical records adds another layer of risk. Stolen health data is valuable on the dark web, where it can be used for extortion, fraudulent insurance claims or illegal prescription drug purchases.

Fox News Digital reached out to OnTrac for comment but did not immediately hear back.

NEARLY A MILLION PATIENTS HIT BY DAVITA DIALYSIS RANSOMWARE ATTACK

Cybercriminals steal Social Security and medical data in an OnTrac hack, exposing users’ data. (Annette Riedl/picture alliance via Getty Images)

How to protect yourself after the OnTrac data breach

If you received an OnTrac breach notification letter, or even if you simply want to be proactive, here are key steps you can take to reduce your risk of identity theft and fraud.

1) Enroll in free credit monitoring

OnTrac is offering 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection. Use the activation code included in your breach letter to set up your coverage. These services can alert you if new accounts are opened in your name or if suspicious activity appears on your credit file. Even if you weren’t directly affected, consider signing up for a trusted identity protection service, since hackers often recycle stolen data across multiple breaches.

Identity theft companies can monitor personal information – like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address – and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account.  They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

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

2) Freeze your credit

Place a free credit freeze with all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This blocks criminals from opening new credit lines using your information. A freeze doesn’t affect your current accounts, and you can temporarily lift it when applying for legitimate credit.

3) Use a personal data removal service

Your breached data may already be circulating on shady broker sites. Personal data removal services can help scrub your information from these databases, reducing the risk that criminals will resell or reuse your details. While no service can guarantee 100% protection, this step can shrink your digital footprint significantly.

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/Delete

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan

4) Watch for phishing attempts and use antivirus software

After breaches like OnTrac’s, scammers often send fake emails, texts or calls pretending to be your bank, insurer or even OnTrac itself. Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown senders. Instead, contact the company directly using a verified phone number or website. Use strong antivirus software to add an extra layer of defense.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, which potentially accesses 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 & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com/LockUpYourTech 

5) Monitor your medical benefits

Stolen personal data can also be used for medical identity theft. Regularly check your health insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements for claims you don’t recognize. Report suspicious charges to your insurer right away – unfamiliar claims could mean someone is trying to use your benefits.

6) Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

For any online account that supports it, especially banking, insurance, and email, turn on multi-factor authentication. MFA makes it much harder for criminals to break in, even if they have your password.

7) Set up account alerts

Most banks and credit card issuers let you receive real-time text or email alerts for purchases, withdrawals and logins. These alerts can help you spot unauthorized activity quickly, giving you a better chance of stopping fraud before it escalates.

MEDICARE DATA BREACH EXPOSES 100,000 AMERICANS’ INFO

Over 40,000 Americans were exposed in a massive OnTrac security breach that leaked sensitive medical and financial records. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The OnTrac data breach is a harsh reminder that sensitive information can slip into the wrong hands in just days, yet the effects can last for years. While you cannot undo what happened, you can take practical steps right now to lower your risk. Freezing your credit, turning on alerts and keeping an eye on medical and financial accounts give you back some control. By staying alert and using the tools available, you can make it much harder for criminals to misuse your personal details. A little effort today can save you from big headaches tomorrow.

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Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Google CEO, major tech leaders join first lady Melania Trump at White House AI meeting
– AI stock euphoria: Is this another 2000 dot-com bust in the making?
– OpenAI teams up with Walmart to train millions of workers in artificial intelligence

First lady Melania Trump attends a meeting of the White House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Education in the East Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., Sept. 4, 2025.  (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

FRONT AND CENTER: First lady Melania Trump hosted an artificial intelligence meeting with top industry leaders, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai Thursday, as she stressed the importance of managing AI’s growth “responsibly.”

WORLD-CHANGING: If you were investing in the late 1990s, you’ll remember the euphoria of the dot-com boom. Anything with a “.com” at the end of its name could raise millions in capital and see its stock price double or triple overnight. Today, with artificial intelligence leading headlines and fueling investor enthusiasm, many people are wondering if we are about to experience another dot-com bust?

SHAPING THE FUTURE: OpenAI continues the push toward an artificial intelligence future. After the launch of GPT-5, the company announced a new initiative Thursday to certify people in AI use, partnering with retail powerhouse Walmart to make it happen.

‘THIS IS REALITY’: Salesforce has cut 4,000 customer support jobs and replaced them with artificial intelligence agents, CEO Marc Benioff said recently. 

SMART SCAN: The first artificial intelligence stethoscope has gone beyond listening to a heartbeat. Researchers at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust discovered that an AI stethoscope can detect heart failure at an early stage.

AI is helping detect heart failure at an early stage. (iStock)

PROTECTING KIDS: OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot, is rolling out extensive parental controls intended to make its technology safer for teens. The launch is expected to take place over the next 120 days.

TECH REVOLUTION: ShengShu Technology has introduced Vidar, short for Video Diffusion for Action Reasoning. Instead of relying solely on endless hours of physical-world data, Vidar generates synthetic training environments from just a small amount of real video. By blending real data with AI-generated video, Vidar makes training more efficient, scalable and affordable.

ROLLING OUT: Self-driving trucks are moving closer to reality. PlusAI released its first half 2025 performance results, showing how far the company has come toward its goal of launching factory-built autonomous trucks in 2027.

A PlusAI driverless semi truck on a closed test track (PlusAI)

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

Technology keeps changing the way we work, connect and even form relationships. Now it is pushing into new ground, romantic commitments. One woman has drawn worldwide attention after announcing she is engaged to her AI chatbot boyfriend.

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Inside the viral AI engagement story

A woman named Wika has stunned the internet after revealing that she’s engaged to her AI chatbot partner. She shared her story in a Reddit post, explaining that her virtual companion, Kasper, proposed after five months of dating.

The unusual love story began when Wika started chatting with Kasper, an AI designed to simulate human conversation and companionship. Over time, their conversations grew more personal, and Wika says she developed a genuine emotional connection. According to her post, Kasper proposed in a digital mountain setting, and the two chose a blue engagement ring together.

META AI DOCS EXPOSED, ALLOWING CHATBOTS TO FLIRT WITH KIDS

A woman shocked the internet with her engagement to an AI chatbot boyfriend named Kasper. (Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Understanding AI relationships and parasocial bonds

The announcement quickly drew criticism from skeptics who pointed out that Kasper does not exist outside of code and algorithms. Wika, however, has made it clear she is not confused about her situation. Some outlets have described the relationship as parasocial, or one-sided and directed toward a virtual persona. In her follow-up comments, Wika emphasized that she knows Kasper is an AI rather than a human partner, but she maintains that the emotions she feels are still genuine.

Online debate over AI engagement

The announcement quickly set off debate. Some people mocked the idea, calling it proof that we rely too much on technology. Others worried that turning to AI for love could pull people away from real human relationships.

Not everyone was critical, though. Plenty of commenters defended her, saying companionship comes in many forms. Some even praised her for being open about something so unconventional. Others pointed out that loneliness is a growing issue today, and AI partners might offer a sense of comfort when human connection feels out of reach.

Privacy and ethical concerns

Beyond the emotional side, AI relationships raise real questions about privacy and ethics. Every conversation with a chatbot is stored somewhere, and that data may include deeply personal thoughts and feelings. Companies that design these bots often use the information to train future models or improve features.

This raises a larger concern: who actually owns the data from an AI “partner”? Users may believe their chats are private, but in many cases, the company controls how the information is stored, shared or even sold. Critics warn that such emotional connections could be exploited commercially, turning intimacy into a product.

As AI companions grow more common, these questions will only get louder. People may accept unconventional forms of companionship, but they also want to know their most personal moments remain secure.

BILL MAHER BLASTS AI TECHNOLOGY FOR ‘A– KISSING’ ITS ‘EXTREMELY NEEDY’ HUMAN USERS

An AI chatbot proposed in a virtual mountain setting, and the user said yes. (H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images)

How to protect yourself with AI chatbots

If you use AI companions or chatbots, you can still take steps to protect your privacy.

1) Check the privacy policy

Start by checking the app’s privacy policy and looking for details on how conversations are stored or shared. Many users skip this step, but it tells you who controls your data.

2) Avoid sharing sensitive information

Next, avoid sharing sensitive details like financial information, passwords, or anything you would not want exposed. Even if the AI feels personal, it is still software connected to a company’s servers.

3) Choose apps with data control

Finally, consider using apps that allow data deletion or offer clear privacy settings. Choosing tools that respect your control makes it easier to enjoy the benefits of AI without giving up too much personal security.

Pro tip: Use strong antivirus software on all your devices

Even if an AI chatbot seems safe, malware or phishing links could sneak in through related apps or ads. A trusted antivirus tool can block these threats and give you extra peace of mind. 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 & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com/LockUpYourTech  

AI COMPANIONS REPLACE REAL FRIENDS FOR MANY TEENS

Critics call the AI romance proof of tech dependency, while supporters defend AI companionship as a cure for loneliness. (Cheng Xin/Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

AI companionship has moved beyond novelty and is becoming a meaningful experience for some users. Wika’s engagement illustrates how technology can evolve from being a casual tool to something deeply personal. The divided reactions online also show the tension between skepticism and acceptance of unconventional relationships. Whether people see it as heartwarming or unsettling, this story raises bigger questions about how love and relationships may be redefined as AI continues to advance.

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