Elon Musk, known for leading companies like Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink and xAI and buying and rebranding Twitter as X, often finds his name linked to innovation and futuristic ideas. But his reputation also makes him a prime target for scammers.

In the past, fraudsters have used Musk’s name in cryptocurrency schemes. Now, a new scam is making the rounds. This time, scammers are promoting bogus "energy-saving" devices, falsely associating Musk with these products to gain credibility. These devices, which don’t work as advertised, are being marketed as revolutionary solutions, duping people into spending money on what is essentially a scam.

We received this email from Rick in Wilkesboro, North Carolina: "I’ve been receiving emails offering an energy-saving device developed by Elon Musk. It claims the device can reduce energy bills by 50%. I never attempted to contact anyone associated with Elon Musk, nor have I done any internet searches for such a device. Are these emails legit or another attempt by scammers hoping I click on their links?"

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Rick, it sounds like those emails are likely scams. There have been numerous reports of scammers using Elon Musk's name to promote fake energy-saving devices. These scams often claim that the device can drastically reduce energy bills, but there is no evidence that Elon Musk or any of his companies are involved in such products.

Let's dive into how this scam works and share some ways you can stay safe.

The Elon Musk energy-saving scam works by using flashy online ads, unsolicited emails and other deceptive tactics to lure victims. Scammers promote so-called "revolutionary" devices through social media, pop-ups, emails and even search engine ads, claiming the products are backed by Musk.

These ads often include fake customer reviews, exaggerated claims of slashing electricity bills by 50% or more and time-limited discounts to create urgency. Names of devices advertised in these scams include the Power Pro Save, Heunwa Power Save, Stop Watt, Miracle Watt, True Watt, Real Watt, Watt Rescue, Esaver Watt, Pro Power Save, Voltmod and more. 

Clicking on these ads leads you to sales websites designed to look legitimate. They feature fake logos, doctored before-and-after photos and bogus celebrity endorsements to build trust. The sites throw around pseudo-scientific jargon like "stabilizing electrical currents" or "rebalancing loads" to sound convincing. They also use tactics like showing inflated "regular" prices crossed out to make the current offer seem like a huge bargain.

If you look closely, though, the red flags are clear. These sites lack basic details like a company address, contact number or business registration information. Instead, they push you to place an order through an online form, demanding full payment upfront via credit card or PayPal.

After paying, customers might receive a cheap, non-functional plastic device, or sometimes nothing at all. These devices don’t reduce electricity usage. They might even waste more power. But by the time you realize it, the scammers have already pocketed your money.

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Over the years, plenty of power-saving scams have promised to cut down or even eliminate your electricity bill by simply plugging in their devices. The reality is that there’s no device you can plug in that will actually reduce your electricity usage or lower your household bill.

These products often claim to "stabilize voltage" or "reduce power waste." While voltage stabilization can be useful in industrial settings, it doesn’t make much difference for typical home appliances. Most household appliances are already designed to run efficiently without the issues these devices claim to fix.

If you’re serious about saving on electricity, focus on practical solutions like upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, using smart home devices or adjusting your energy usage schedule.

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SNEAKY SCAMMERS DRAIN BANK ACCOUNT IN SINISTER PHONE PHISHING SCHEME

Too good to be true: Claims of reducing energy bills by 50% or more are often exaggerated and unrealistic.

Unsolicited emails: Receiving emails out of the blue, especially when you haven't shown interest in such products, is a common tactic used by scammers.

Use of celebrity names: Scammers frequently use well-known names like Elon Musk to lend credibility to their schemes.

Suspicious links: Be cautious of clicking on links in unsolicited emails. They can lead to phishing sites designed to steal your personal information. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

1. Verify the email: Phishing emails are a common tool scammers use to trick people into buying fake products or giving away personal information. These emails often look like they’re from legitimate sources, but they contain links that lead to fraudulent websites or prompt you to download malicious attachments. Always check the sender's email address and look for signs of a fake message, like poor grammar or urgent calls to action. 

2. Verify claims: If you're curious about a product, do some research from reputable sources before taking any action.

3. Do not click links: Avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments from these emails. Instead, hover over the link to see its true destination. This can help you identify if it leads to a legitimate site or a malicious one.

4. Have strong antivirus software actively running on your devices: Ensure you have reliable antivirus software installed on your devices. Antivirus software helps protect your devices from malware, viruses and other security threats. Regularly update the software to ensure it can detect and remove the latest threats. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

5. Examine the website carefully: Scammers often create websites that look professional, but they’re easy to spot with a few simple checks. Look for missing or suspicious information, like the absence of a business address, phone number or business registration details. If there are fake testimonials or celebrity endorsements, that’s a red flag.

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6. Don’t fall for "too good to be true" deals: Scammers rely on offering deals that seem too good to pass up, like massive discounts or a "limited time offer." If an ad claims you can save 50% or more on a product, be skeptical. Real, quality products usually don’t come with such extreme savings, and high-tech devices like those promoted by scammers rarely live up to the hype. If it feels like too good a deal, it probably is.

7. Watch out for unusual payment methods: One of the easiest ways to spot a scam is by how the scammers ask you to pay. If a website asks for payment upfront via credit card or PayPal with no option to verify or ship the product first, it's a major red flag. Scammers take your money upfront and have no intention of sending you anything of value. Stick to reputable payment methods that offer buyer protection and avoid sites that ask for payment without proper verification.

8. Mark spam email as junk or spam: Most email providers have a feature that allows you to flag spam emails and move them to a separate folder. This can help you filter out spam emails from your inbox and also improve the spam detection of your email provider.

9. Do not share your email address publicly or with unknown sources: This can reduce the chances of your email address being collected by spammers. You can also use a disposable email or email alias for signing up for online services that you do not trust or need.

10. Use a personal data removal service: Scammers can obtain your information from various online sources, including data brokers, people search sites and public records. Using a data removal service can help reduce your digital footprint, making it harder for scammers to access your personal information. This proactive step can be crucial in preventing identity theft and minimizing the chances of falling victim to scams.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

YOUR EMAIL DIDN'T EXPIRE, IT'S JUST ANOTHER SNEAKY SCAM

Impersonation scams are a common way scammers steal your money. They often use well-known names like Elon Musk or big companies like Microsoft and Walmart to make you trust them, then trick you into giving away your financial details. To stay safe, avoid unsolicited emails or texts that promote products or offers. If you need to buy something, stick to trusted sellers like Amazon, Best Buy or other reputable platforms. Always double-check the legitimacy of any offer before making a purchase, especially if it comes from an unfamiliar source.

Have you ever encountered a scam using a well-known name or brand? What happened? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Almost everything you do online asks for your email. If you have been using the same one for a while, chances are hundreds or even thousands of services have it. They send promotional messages, social media alerts, newsletters and more, turning your inbox into complete chaos. You can tame this madness using an email alias.

An email alias helps declutter your inbox by organizing emails based on their purpose. For example, you can create specific aliases for shopping, newsletters or work and set up filters to sort these messages into separate folders automatically. 

Aliases also help manage spam. If an alias starts receiving too many unwanted messages, you can disable it without affecting your main email.

Let’s dive into how to create an email alias on different platforms, including Gmail, Outlook and iCloud. 

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Gmail doesn’t allow you to create a completely separate alias, but it offers workarounds using "+ addressing" or by adding dots to your existing email address. However, these methods don’t prevent an unscrupulous sender from seeing your primary address, so exercise caution when using them with untrusted correspondents. Follow the steps below to get started.

Use your existing Gmail address and add a "+" followed by any keyword before "@gmail.com."

Example: If your email is yourname@gmail.com, you can use:

No additional setup is needed, just start using this alias when signing up for services or sharing your email.

Gmail ignores dots (.) in email addresses, so you can create variations of your email:

Example: If your email is yourname@gmail.com, you can use:

All variations will deliver emails to your main inbox automatically.

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Outlook.com allows you to create additional email addresses (aliases) that are linked to your primary account. Emails sent to an alias will arrive in your primary inbox, and you can send messages using the alias as well.

If your primary email is johnsmith@outlook.com, you can create an alias like john.smith123@outlook.com. Emails sent to john.smith123@outlook.com will still go to johnsmith@outlook.com, but you can choose to send emails using either address.

Steps to create an alias:

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Once added, you can send emails using your alias by selecting it in the From field when composing a new message.

Important limitations to note:

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Apple allows you to create up to three email aliases through iCloud. These aliases can be used for specific purposes, helping you manage your inbox effectively. Here’s how to create one:

It's important to note that you can still create up to three email aliases through iCloud. Remember that while these aliases provide some flexibility, they do not create separate Apple IDs or completely hide your primary iCloud email address.

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While many email providers offer basic alias functionality, most have significant limitations. Gmail's "+" addressing and dot tricks, Outlook's linked aliases and Apple's iCloud aliases all provide some flexibility, but they often fall short of true privacy protection.

For those of you seeking comprehensive email privacy and robust alias management, my No. 1 pick for private and secure email platforms contains no ads, no tracking and powerful privacy features like password-protected email and unlimited disposable email addresses. See my review of the best secure and private email services here.

Protecting your inbox from scammers requires a combination of smart practices and proactive tools. Using email aliases is an effective first step. By creating specific aliases for different activities, such as shopping, subscriptions or work, you can track where spam is coming from and deactivate problematic aliases as needed. Below are some other steps to take.

1. Avoid sharing your primary email address publicly on forums, social media or other platforms to minimize exposure. Most email providers offer robust spam filters, so ensure they are enabled and customize them as needed

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2. Invest in personal data removal services. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

3. Enable two-factor authentication on all your email accounts to add an extra layer of security.

4. Be cautious of suspicious links and attachments. Never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders, as these could be phishing attempts.

5. Use strong antivirus software to protect against potential malware that might come through spam emails. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

6. Regularly update your email password and make it strong and unique, avoiding common words or easily guessable combinations. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

These steps will provide a more comprehensive approach to protecting your inbox from scammers and reducing unwanted emails.

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Taking charge of your inbox doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By implementing the tips and tools mentioned above, you’ll create a more secure, efficient and manageable email experience. Whether you’re battling spam or organizing your digital life, email aliases and secure services are great things to put into place.

Which email platform do you use most often, and how do you organize your messages there? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Credit card fraud has been on the rise in recent years.

The Federal Trade Commission’s most recent database indicates that 416,582 cases of credit card fraud were reported in 2024, making it one of the most common forms of identity theft. You know you've been a victim of this fraud when you notice unauthorized transactions on your credit card bill. 

These transactions are usually below $100 to avoid detection. However, sometimes they can exceed $1,000. One such incident happened with Martin from Martinsville, Virginia, when he was randomly charged $1,095 in Hong Kong.

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"Hello, I recently received a fraud alert from my credit card company that said that there was a $1,095 charge on my credit card in Hong Kong. I use my iPad and Safari browser to buy online. Can you please explain how this could happen? By the way, my credit card company canceled my credit card and will send me a new Mastercard in the mail, and I’m not responsible for the charges on my credit card. What can I do in the future to prevent this from happening again?"

I'm sorry to hear about the fraudulent charge on your credit card, Martin. It’s good that your credit card company is handling it and that you’re not responsible for the charges. For future reference, I'll be discussing how this could have happened and how to stay safe.

Credit card fraud can happen in several ways, often without you even realizing it. One common method is when fraudsters get hold of your card information through data breaches at online stores or banks, which means your details get leaked without your knowledge. 

Another sneaky tactic is phishing, where scammers trick you into giving away your card info by posing as legitimate companies via emails or fake websites. 

There’s also the risk of "card skimming," where devices at ATMs or gas stations secretly capture your card details when you swipe it. In some cases, fraudsters might also exploit weak security on public Wi-Fi networks or compromised apps to access your information while you’re shopping online.

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A report from Security.org reveals that 52 million Americans experienced credit card fraud in 2023, a figure even higher than the one reported by the FTC. With four out of five American adults owning at least one credit card, the report found that three in five cardholders have faced unauthorized charges — an estimated 128 million victims. Even more concerning, 75% of these victims reported having their credit card information stolen more than once. 

The typical unauthorized transaction is around $100, which adds up to approximately $5 billion in criminal purchases each year. Interestingly, most unauthorized transactions involve credit cards that weren’t physically lost or stolen, highlighting the growing risks of online fraud and data breaches.

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Data breaches are one of the main ways credit card fraud happens. Hackers often get unauthorized access to sensitive information stored by businesses or institutions. When a retailer, financial institution or online store experiences a data breach, the hackers usually go after the payment systems where customer credit card details are kept.

If these systems aren’t properly secured, hackers can grab things like credit card numbers, expiration dates and sometimes even security codes. Once they have that info, they can either use it themselves or sell it to others.

But it’s not just credit card information at risk. Data breaches can also expose personal details like names, email addresses and phone numbers. Scammers can then use this stolen info to launch phishing attacks, pretending to be trusted companies and tricking you into giving away more sensitive information.

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This is why identity theft monitoring is so important. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, 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. 

One of the best parts of some identity theft protection services is that they have identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

HOW TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST DEBIT CARD HACKERS WHO ARE AFTER YOUR MONEY

1. Notify your credit card issuer immediately: If you notice fraudulent charges on your credit card, start by calling the number on the back of your credit card. From there, you should get more detailed information on what to do next.

2. Monitor your statements regularly: One of the best ways to catch credit card fraud early is to keep an eye on your statements. Review your transactions regularly to spot any unfamiliar charges. The sooner you notice something suspicious, the quicker you can report it to your credit card company and prevent further damage.

3. Regularly check your credit report: In addition to monitoring your credit card statements, periodically review your credit report to catch any unauthorized accounts opened in your name.

4. Use strong, unique passwords: Always use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, especially those that store payment details. Avoid using easily guessable information, and consider using a password manager to store and generate secure passwords. This reduces the chances of fraudsters accessing your accounts.

5. Use credit card alerts: Set up transaction alerts with your credit card company. This way, you’ll receive a notification via email or text for every transaction made with your card. If you receive an alert for a purchase you didn’t make, you can take immediate action to report it and prevent further charges.

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6. Be Cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid making purchases or entering sensitive information when connected to public Wi-Fi networks because they’re often not secure. If you need to make an online purchase while on the go, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection and keep your credit card details safe from hackers. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices 

7. Don't store credit card info on browsers and websites: Storing your credit card information on browsers or websites can make it convenient, but it also exposes you to a higher risk of fraud. If your browser or the website’s security gets compromised, hackers could gain access to your saved card details. To stay safe, avoid saving your credit card information and manually enter it each time you make a purchase. If a site offers to save your details for future use, think twice before accepting. It's better to take the extra step to enter your information each time, ensuring your data stays secure.

8. Use EMV chip technology: When making in-person purchases, always use the chip reader instead of swiping your card. Chip technology provides an extra layer of security against fraud.

9. Be wary of phishing attempts and have strong antivirus software: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts or phone calls asking for your credit card information. Legitimate companies typically don't request sensitive information through these channels. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

10. Keep your card in sight: When using your card in restaurants or stores, try to keep it within view. This reduces the risk of someone copying your card details.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET 

It's clear that credit card fraud is more prevalent than ever, affecting millions of Americans each year. The good news is that there are effective steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim. By staying vigilant and employing best practices — like monitoring your statements and using strong passwords — you can significantly reduce your risk. Remember, awareness and proactive measures are your best defenses against credit card fraud.

Have you or someone you know ever experienced credit card fraud, and how did it impact you? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Let's talk about something that's been popping up in inboxes lately — those sneaky "Your Apple ID has been disabled" emails. 

Like many people who've reached out to us, you might have gotten one that looks pretty legit, saying something like, "Your Apple ID has been temporarily disabled. Verify your Apple ID Information." 

Spoiler alert: It's most likely a scam, and we're going to break down why.

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So, here's how these tricksters operate. You get an email that looks totally legit with an Apple logo and creates a sense of urgency, claiming your Apple ID is in trouble. They'll say something like, "If you do not verify your account within 48 hours, it will be permanently locked." Yikes, right? That's exactly what they want you to think. So, you'll "Click the button below to verify as soon as possible." They want you to click where it says, "Go to Apple ID."

Once you do that, you're directed to a fake Apple website designed to look almost identical to the real one. This fraudulent site prompts you to enter your username, password and other sensitive information, which the scammers can then use to access your Apple account and potentially steal your personal data or make unauthorized purchases.

NEW CYBERATTACK TARGETS IPHONE AND APPLE IDS: HERE’S HOW TO STAY SAFE

Urgent language: They're trying to scare you into acting without thinking. Classic scammer move.

Vague claims: "Missing or invalid information"? That's purposely unclear to make you doubt yourself.

Threats of lockout: Nothing like a good threat to get your heart racing, huh?

Terms of service talk: They throw this in to sound official, but it's just smoke and mirrors.

Grammar goofs: Real Apple emails are polished. Scammers? Not so much.

Fishy sender address: Always check if it's actually from @apple.com (spoiler: it's probably not). Any legitimate email from Apple will come from a domain ending in "@email.apple.com. As you can see from the scam email below, it's from a fake email: mfrasier@wavecable.com, not Apple.

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You might wonder, "Why are these scammers so obsessed with Apple IDs?" Well, there are a few reasons:

 5 THINGS TO DO FIRST IF YOU GOT A NEW MAC

To keep scammers at bay and secure your Apple ID, follow these comprehensive steps:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This crucial security feature adds an extra layer of protection to your Apple ID. Set it up by going to Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security on your iPhone or iPad, or Apple menu> System Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security on your Mac.

2. Use strong passcodes: Opt for alphanumeric passcodes instead of simple PINs. When in public, use biometrics (Face ID or Touch ID) and be cautious when entering your passcode.

3. Enable Stolen Device Protection: If you're using iOS 17.3 or later, turn on this feature for additional security against theft.

4. Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system and apps to ensure you have the latest security patches.

5. Don’t click on suspicious links, use strong antivirus software: If the email asks you to click a link, don’t do it right away. Hover over the link to see the actual URL. If it doesn’t look like an official Apple website (or any site you trust), don’t click it.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

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6. Use a password manager: Generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts by using a password manager.

7. Enable Find My: Turn on Find My iPhone to help locate your device if it's lost or stolen.

8. Use a personal data removal service: Consider using a service that finds and removes your personal information from data broker sites. These services can help reduce your digital footprint, making it harder for scammers to obtain your data to target you in the first place. Look for a service that offers automated removals from hundreds of data aggregators and provides detailed verification of removals.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. 

9. Don’t click on suspicious links: If the email asks you to click a link, don’t do it right away. Hover over the link to see the actual URL. If it doesn’t look like an official Apple website (or any site you trust), don’t click it.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

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Apple will never email you asking for your password or threaten to lock your account. If there's a real issue, you'll usually get a notification on your trusted device or be asked to sign in to your Apple ID account page directly. Remember, Apple will never ask for your password via email, phone or text message. Always access your account through official Apple websites or apps.

These scammers are getting craftier, but with a bit of know-how and caution, you can keep your Apple ID (and all the good stuff connected to it) safe and sound. Remember, if something feels fishy, trust your gut. When in doubt, go straight to Apple's official website or give their support team a call. Keep your digital life secure, and don't let those scammers take a bite out of your Apple.

Have you ever fallen victim to a digital scam, and what steps did you take to protect yourself afterward? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Washington state Democrats appeared to have accidentally emailed their sweeping revenue plans and internal talking points on tax hikes to the entirety of the upper chamber's members in Olympia, Fox News has learned.

Property tax hikes and a new double-digit tax on firearms are among proposals Washington state Democrats are considering, according to materials originally disseminated to all members by Washington Senate Deputy Floor Leader Noel Frame, D-Seattle, in late December and later obtained by Fox News Digital. 

A document titled "2025 Revenue Options" and a PowerPoint presentation describing how to talk to constituents in defense of the plan were included in the messages.

The document lists proposed figures for an 11% tax on ammunition and firearms, reclassifying storage unit rentals as a retail transaction and a lift on the property tax levy lid for certain Washingtonians.

A PowerPoint slide, highlighted by Seattle radio host Jason Rantz, described the "Best way to talk taxes" — with a chart of do’s and don’ts for lawmakers.

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Do say: "Pay what they owe" — but Don’t say: "Tax the rich" or "pay their fair share" because "taxes aren’t a punishment," the graph read.

It also suggested using the terms "funding," "providing" and "ensuring" when describing the apparent benefits of tax hikes, rather than the term "investing in [X]."

"Avoid centering the tax or talking in vague terms about ‘the economy’ or ‘education.’"

One of the new proposals is that of a "capital assets ownership tax."

It is described as similar to property taxes, but instead would extend the real estate-type tax to holdings in stocks, bonds and other financial instruments.

"We can ensure that extremely wealthy Washingtonians are taxed on their assets just like middle-class families are already taxed on theirs," the slide reads.

Another line directs lawmakers to proverbially "identify the villain" that is blocking "progress" and lay out "how we can take action to solve the issue."

"We have an upside-down tax code that benefits big corporations and the wealthiest few, that was written 100 years ago and desperately needs an update for the 21st century. If we ensure Washington’s wealthiest pay what they truly owe in taxes, the rest of us will have what we need — like affordable health care, housing, and food."

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Rantz said in a column for MyNorthwest.com that the plans accidentally shared present a "direct contradiction" to promises from Democrats during the election cycle and lay out 10 total new taxes on residents.

"These proposals come at a time when the state has seen years of record revenue," Rantz said, going on to claim some of the "tax schemes" may also be unconstitutional.

He added that capital gains taxes actually discourage growth and potentially lead to reduced job opportunities for the same workers pro-tax Democrats claim to want to help.

One example he presented was the departure of Amazon founder Jeffrey Bezos from Washington state. Upon establishing his new Florida residency, one of America’s richest men saved about $1 billion in taxes that also no longer go toward funding the Evergreen State’s programs.

Rantz added that the Washington state Democratic electorate often decries the affordability crisis but then goes on to re-elect the same politicians that exacerbate it.

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Additionally, as Democratic Gov.-elect Robert Ferguson is set to take office later this month, State Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, slammed outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee’s 2025 budget proposal.

"This budget is not a serious proposal," said Couture, the House budget panel’s top Republican.

"Our state has a spending problem, not a revenue problem," he said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Frame for comment but did not hear back by publication time.

Right now, I’m sitting here beaming because my inbox is empty. Really! Did I read and reply to every single message? Well, no. I’m not an "Inbox Zero" person. Watch this quick video if you have no clue what that means.

Before I took back control, I had 409 unread emails. But I have a trick to starting each year with a clean slate. You can do it, too!

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Clear out your inbox

You could try sorting your emails into a maze of folders, but who has the time for that? Here’s a surprisingly easy fix to start the new year right: Archive your inbox. It’s like a magic wand for your digital clutter!

What’s email archiving, you ask? Picture this: A digital vault where every email you’ve ever sent or received is safely stored, complete with attachments. No more scrolling endlessly through a jam-packed inbox!

So, are you ready to beat the email bloat? Here’s your quickstart guide to mastering your inbox with the power of archiving.

Steps to archive emails in Gmail

Gmail will take some time to process your request, so be patient. You may have to do this step a few times to get everything.

Once you’ve archived a message, you can hit All Mail to the left, under "Inbox" and your other email folders, to find it. Search by a term you know was in the email or by the sender.

Filters 101: How to sort your Gmail like a pro

Using Apple Mail? Here’s what to do

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How to archive emails in Microsoft Outlook

Outlook doesn’t put archived messages into a separate folder. Instead, they’ll go straight to a data file you can access whenever you want.

You’ll see emails disappear from your inbox and subfolders. Find them again under the "Archives" heading.

RELATED: How to make sure emails you want to see don’t end up lost in spam

Got a Yahoo email? Here’s what to do

Want to take a message out of the archive? Open the "Archive" folder, tap on the email you want and select Restore to Inbox.

Smart tech how-to: Save precious voicemails and text messages

Worried you missed something? 

Archiving isn’t the same as deleting. It’s like putting stuff in a storage box. Even if you archive emails, they can be subpoenaed for legal cases. I don’t give legal advice, so consult a lawyer if you have any questions.

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Hmm, maybe I need to create a custom login flow.

Apple's new Mail Categories in iOS 18.2 and later are here to help you take control and make managing your email a lot easier. 

Let's dive into how you can make the most of these new inbox features on your iPhone.

First things first, let's update your software to iOS 18.2 or later:

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GET ORGANIZED: NEW IOS 18 CALENDAR FEATURE

In iOS 18.2 and later, the Mail app enhances email management by automatically sorting messages into distinct categories. This feature is designed to help you quickly find and manage your emails.

Note: If a message in the Transactions, Updates or Promotions categories contains time-sensitive information, it will also appear in the Primary category.

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Now that you're all set with iOS 18.2 or later, let's explore how to use the new Mail Categorization feature:

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To make sure important emails, like the CyberGuy newsletter, land in the "Primary" category:

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This simple action helps signal its importance. Once you manually move an email to the Primary category, Apple's Mail app will learn from this action.

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Apple's new Mail Categories feature aims to streamline your email management by automatically sorting your messages. While it can be incredibly helpful, it may take some time to adjust and fine-tune. Remember to periodically check other categories to ensure important emails aren't misclassified. With a bit of patience and customization, you can transform your inbox into a more organized and efficient space.

Have you found the new email categorization feature helpful, or do you wish you could go back to the way things were? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Are you drowning in a sea of unread emails? 

Let’s cut through the digital clutter and help you delete multiple emails on your Android device at once. Before we get to the steps, there are some important things to consider. First, always ensure you’re not deleting important emails. Second, you'll need to back up important emails. 

Also, be aware that some email apps require you to delete emails in each folder separately. Finally, remember that some apps have different methods for bulk deletion.

So, we’ll cover the most common techniques. OK, let's get started.

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To back up important emails on an Android device, follow these steps:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer 

This will ensure your important emails and other data are safely backed up to your Google account.

BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR ANDROIDS - CYBERGUY PICKS 2024  

Want to clear out those pesky emails all at once? Here's how:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer 

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Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer 

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Do you want to target emails from a specific sender? Here's a smart hack:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

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Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer 

Dealing with an overflowing inbox doesn't have to be daunting. By following these steps, you'll be able to efficiently manage your emails and keep your Android device clutter-free. Remember to always back up important emails before you start deleting them, and stay mindful of the different methods for bulk deletion across various email apps. Clearing out those unread emails can make a world of difference in staying organized and reducing digital stress.

What features do you wish your email app had to make your life easier? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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Managing your inbox can quickly become a daunting task. Many of us find ourselves drowning in a sea of unread emails, making it challenging to stay organized. Dale from Lowell, Arizona, recently reached out with a common frustration:

"My iPhone 13; How do I erase multiple emails from my inbox? Deleting each one individually is time consuming and tedious. Currently 1900 plus."

Don’t worry, Dale. You're not alone in this struggle. Let's dive into some easy steps to declutter your inbox. If you want to delete multiple emails at once on Android, here's how to do it. 

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The built-in Mail app on your iPhone 13 offers a straightforward way to delete multiple emails at once:

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When faced with an overwhelming number of emails, try this method:

MUST-TURN-OFF PRIVACY SETTINGS ON YOUR IPHONE IN IOS 18.1

For even more control over bulk deletions, consider using your iPhone's web browser:

This method is particularly effective for quickly clearing out large numbers of emails.

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To ensure that deleted emails are automatically sent to your preferred location, follow these simple steps to configure your iPhone settings. This setting helps you efficiently organize your emails by automatically directing deleted messages to the appropriate folder, saving time and reducing inbox clutter.

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Managing a cluttered inbox can feel overwhelming, but with these techniques, you'll be on your way to a more organized inbox. Remember, it's not just about deleting emails. It's about creating habits that prevent inbox overload in the future. Consider setting up filters for recurring emails. By implementing these strategies, Dale and other iPhone users can transform their email management from a tedious chore into a quick and efficient task.

What's the most overwhelming digital clutter challenge you're currently facing, and how is it impacting your daily productivity? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.