Want To Live Like An Olympian? Shaun White’s Former Mansion Back On the Market

If you asked someone to name winter Olympic athletes, it wouldn’t take them long to get to Shaun White. After years of winning medals and shredding slopes with his signature shaggy red hair, White has stepped back into the public spotlight as a commentator for the 2026 Winter Games. But that’s not the only reason his name is in the news.

According to the Robb Report, a massive property White recently sold to a Louis Vuitton executive is back up for sale. The current owner is listing it after owning it for just two years and giving the property a complete makeover. Now, the Los Angeles mid-century modern property is going for $5 million.

If you’re a fan of the Olympics and celebrity real estate, check out the details below.

What Are the Basic Specs?

The 2000 sq. ft home sits on a third of an acre and has three bedrooms, two bathrooms. The Robb Report describes the single-level interior as featuring “dark slate floors, walnut cabinetry, vintage lighting, and custom furnishings.”

When it comes to parking, the property offers a two-car garage complete with a Tesla charger as well as “a petite driveway with parking for three additional vehicles.” The property also boasts a privacy wall and “a gated walkway [which] passes by dense foliage on its way to the front door.” The grounds also feature a swimming pool, a flagstone terrace, and “a fire pit lounge area alongside a dining banquette.”

What Does Shaun White’s Mansion Look Like Now?

Per the Robb Report, the Louis Vuitton executive who bought the property from White put a lot of work into it “in collaboration with Studio Veren.” He’s spent the last two years restoring the property, aiming to make it look more like it did when it was built in 1955.

The home now has a new roof, windows, a re-done brick exterior, and the interior is now primarily dark and moody, a contrast to the coastal white interior and exterior that the house sported when White owned it, according to Mansions Global.

The publication reports the current owner  “added wood built-ins that look as if they could be original to the home, plus a slat wood partition to the open-plan living room.” He also “put in new slate floors, windows, a roof and custom walnut cabinetry…[and[ replaced the cinder block exterior with brick.”

If you’re someone who loves grand views, you’ll be entranced by the glass walls that make up much of the main space. Mansions Global claims that they “[blur] the line between the indoors and the outdoors” by showcasing views of downtown Los Angeles.

Sources

Shaun White’s Former Midcentury Hideaway in the Hollywood Hills Lists for $5 Million, Robb Report, 2026.

Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White’s Former L.A. Home Hits the Market Fresh off a Redesign, Mansion Global, 2026.

The post Want To Live Like An Olympian? Shaun White’s Former Mansion Back On the Market appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Want To Live Like An Olympian? Shaun White’s Former Mansion Back On the Market

Dollar Store Cleaning Product Dupes That Actually Work

LA’s Totally Awesome All-Purpose Cleaner

Comparable to: Simple Green, Krud Cutter

The top dollar store cleaning product recommended by our experts is this concentrated, surfactant-based, degreasing cleaner. Use it on trash cans, baseboard trim, backsplashes, outdoor furniture, grills, workshop tools and more.

“This is the dollar store legend that professionals quietly stock up on,” says master plumber Steven Morgan. “I keep a spray bottle of it, diluted 3:1, in my service van. At full strength, it’ll lift twenty years of baked-on oil from a furnace blower housing.”

Available at most dollar store franchises.

Multi-Purpose Cleaning Paste

Comparable to: The Pink Stuff

The mild abrasives and surfactants in this generic paste are ideal for cleaning stubborn areas, like burnt-on food from oven doors, gunk from sink basins, soap scum and residue on walls. Since it’s a paste, it clings to vertical surfaces, plus is generally safe for most finishes, says professional cleaner Isabella. Just avoid it on high-gloss acrylic tubs, non-stick cookware and any delicate metals.

“Opt for this when you want a major-power, non-liquid scrub that leaves behind a polished, streak-free finish,” says real estate expert Mary Sullivan.

Available at Dollar Tree.

Brillo Basics Dishwashing Soap Spray

Comparable to: Dawn Powerwash

This cleaner’s foamy lather is made for ridding grease from pots and pans, even when it’s baked on. “Bring it out for fast cleanups, when you don’t want to soak,” says Sullivan. “It works as a pretty solid substitute because the surfactant’s force is strong enough to break up oils in one swipe and rinse.”

Pro-tip: it can also be used as a pre-treatment for stains on kitchen linens, says Flores.

Available at Dollar Tree. Similar product: True Living Diamond Foaming Spray, at Dollar General.

Chase’s Home Value Lemon Cream Furniture Polish

Comparable to: Pledge Furniture Polish

For dusting and polishing wooden tables, cabinets and similar surfaces, this spray gives the same high-gloss shine as Pledge. “It easily picks up dust, while depositing a residue that acts as a barrier and smells of oranges,” says Sullivan. “It’s a good alternative, as it gives us a nice shine that isn’t greasy or sticky.”

Available at Dollar Tree.

Pumice Stone Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Comparable to: brand-name pumice stone products

Dollar stores sell various versions of these porous volcanic stone cleaning products, usually for around $1. They’re essential for removing stubborn mineral rings and calcium deposits that acid-based bowl cleaners won’t touch. Just wet the stone and gently rub the stain. “It’s physically abrasive enough to grind down hard water scale, but softer than porcelain, so it won’t scratch,” says Morgan. “I’ve rescued antique fixtures with these that were destined for replacement.”

Available at most dollar store franchises.

The Works Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Comparable to: Scrubbing Bubbles

The highly concentrated cleaning agents in this toilet bowl cleaner remove tough scaling from heavily soiled bathrooms more quickly than most expensive and diluted gel cleaners, says Sullivan. “This powerful solution is a force against rust and hard water build up,” she says. “It’ll even beat brand-name cleaners in the fight against mineral-heavy deposits.”

Available at Dollar Tree, Family Dollar.

Oxydol Laundry Pre-Wash Stain Remover

Comparable to: OxiClean

“Off-brand oxygen cleaners are stellar dupes,” says Beatty. “These are great for soaking your dirty gym clothes or grouting.” Flores also recommends generic cleaners like Oxydol for soaking stained dish towels, cleaning white loads in the washer and sprucing up outdoor cushions.

Their secret ingredient is sodium percarbonate, which helps brighten fabrics and get rid of organic stains. Before using it, test for color fastness— and never combine it with chlorine bleach.

Available at Dollar Tree.

Melamine Foam Sponges

Comparable to: Magic Eraser

“Our favorite dollar store cleaning product substitute by far and away is melamine foam sponges,” says cleaning expert Adriana Aziz. “They’re perfect for removing stains from walls, especially for our move-out cleans.”

Off-brand melamine foam sponges are often just $0.20 or $0.30 compared with $1 to $1.50 for the name brands. “And there is no difference between the two products apart from marketing gimmicks,” says Aziz.

Available at most dollar stores.

White Vinegar

Comparable to: Heinz white vinegar

Instead of buying branded cleaning vinegars, health care expert Kyle Sobko likes the dollar store generics. Just look for ones that contain 5% acetic acid, which is the active ingredient that kills bacteria and cuts through mineral deposits.

“I pay $1 for a gallon of white vinegar at Dollar Tree vs. $4.50 for a smaller bottle of a name brand at the grocery store, and they work exactly the same for cleaning glass and removing hard water stains,” he says.

Available at most dollar stores.

Other Cleaning Accessories

Dollar stores excel with deals on plastic cleaning caddies, spray bottles and small bins. “Saving money makes sense on these functional organizational tools,” says Flores. “Their scrubbing sponges and small scrub brushes also work as effectively as the expensive versions.”

Flores also recommends buying microfiber cloths from dollar stores. “They’re as effective as expensive counterparts for dusting, glass, countertops and bathroom fixtures,” she says.

FAQ

How are dollar store cleaning products so cheap?

In general, dollar store products are less expensive because the manufacturers devote minimal money to advertising, plus use less-expensive and lighter-weight packaging. For cleaning products specifically, they also save money by selling smaller portions and using more basic chemical formulas.

“They strip away premium fragrances and sleek packaging to keep costs down, using simple, effective chemistry so you can stay fresh without emptying your wallet,” says Beatty.

Does a cleaning product being cheap mean it’s low quality?

Not necessarily. Some contain the same active ingredients as brand names, which means they offer similar effectiveness. But sometimes they are less concentrated, which means you need to use more for name-brand results.

“In addition, other cheaper ingredients are used in their composition, which does not always mean lower quality, just a different formula,” says cleaning expert Justin Carpenter. “They are ideal for large homes with high consumption.”

Flores also gives this safety note: Avoid heavily scented products and choose those with the simplest ingredient list. “Some dollar store goods may contain chemicals of concern,” she says. “‘Green,’ ‘natural’ or ‘eco-friendly’ does not automatically make a product safer.”

About the Experts

• Isabella Flores is a professional cleaning expert and organizer at Sparkly Maid San Diego.
• Adriana Aziz is operations manager at MaidForYou.
• Shannon Beatty is a home renovator and founder of House Buying Girls in Texas.
• Steven Morgan is a master plumber from 24hr.supply, an online supplier.
• Kyle Sobko is CEO and founder of SonderCare hospital beds for home healthcare.
• Justin Carpenter is a residential house-cleaning and home-care expert, and owner of Modern Maids, which operates across several major cities.
• Mary Sullivan is founder of Company That Buys Houses in Fort Worth, Texas.

The post Dollar Store Cleaning Product Dupes That Actually Work appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Dollar Store Cleaning Product Dupes That Actually Work

The Legal Gray Areas Around Using Screens While Driving Explained

Screens are unavoidable, even in your car. If you drive a vehicle built in the last decade, odds are a touchscreen sits in the center of the dashboard. In fact, backup camera screens are required in newer vehicles due to their safety benefits.

Rear-seat streaming has become widely available in family vehicles, too, and many drivers have opted for mounted dashcams. And that’s just the built-in devices, as mobile technology like cell phones, tablets, and gaming systems are also a distraction.

As in-car screens become the norm, drivers find themselves confused about what they can (and can’t) do. Learn how U.S. federal driving standards and state laws approach in-car video screens, and what you should know to be a safe and law-abiding driver.

Federal Safety Standards And State Laws

Driving laws vary by state. However, there are federal safety standards that do give a solid understanding about what is and isn’t allowed while on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other government agencies focus on vehicle manufacturing rather than driver conduct. These standards require automakers to design systems that limit certain features when a vehicle is in motion. So if you’re driving a non-modified vehicle, you can safely assume your ride is up to code.

Most factory-installed front screens block video playback once the vehicle shifts out of park. Drivers can still access navigation maps, climate controls, and audio functions. Manufacturers program these systems to reduce visual distraction, and dealerships generally do not disable those restrictions.

Rear-seat entertainment systems are a non-issue because they are only visible to passengers, not to the driver. However, volume could be a distraction, so it’s important that the media does not impose on the driver.

Smartphones And Streaming Content

This is pretty straightforward: drivers operating motor vehicles can’t watch videos on a smartphone while driving in any state. This is universal. In addition, all states prohibit texting while driving, and most have limitations regarding handheld phone use. Wording might differ slightly from state to state, but the rules are generally similar.

Platforms such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto restrict video apps while the vehicle is in motion. These systems allow calls, messaging functions, music, and navigation, but they block entertainment video playback.

Don’t think you can outsmart the law by mounting a phone to the dashboard. This does not change the legal standard as if the device displays entertainment content within the driver’s line of sight it likely violates state law.

How about if a passenger in the front seat is watching something? This is where things get a little more nuanced. Several states, including California, have clear laws allowing this.

“Yes, passengers sitting up front can legally watch a video on their phone or another device while the vehicle is in motion,” says Edward Susolik, CEO, Senior Partner & Personal Injury Attorney at Callahan & Blaine. “California only restricts drivers from holding or operating devices, though the key here is that just because your front passenger is watching something while you drive doesn’t mean you get that same privilege.”

Local and state vehicle codes determine what drivers can legally view while operating a motored vehicle. For instance, some have restrictions on dashboard-mounted tablets and aftermarket DVD players installed in the front cabin. Conversely, some states have broad distracted driving statutes instead of specific video screen bans due to the complicated issue.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) tracks and summarizes distracted driving laws. Because rules vary by state, and are updated periodically, it’s important familiarize yourself with your own state’s vehicle code to ensure you remain compliant and avoid costly citations.

“Some states let you have front-seat video displays only if they’re positioned in a way that only the passenger can view them,” says Susolik. “Other states are far stricter and won’t allow any video displays in the front of the vehicle. There are also wide differences between states in windshield mounting restrictions. Every state has its own enforcement and penalties regarding device use and placement, and every driver should know what the rules are in their state or any state they plan on driving through. Claiming you didn’t know won’t matter, especially if you cause an accident.”

Special Situations, Exceptions and Compliance Guidelines

Certain vehicles are exempt from traditional legal limitations. Commercial drivers, rideshare operators (like taxis, Lyfts, and Ubers), and delivery drivers follow the same basic screen restrictions as other motorists but may be allowed a mounted device used for dispatching or navigation. If you fall into one of those categories, check with your employer’s resources department to ensure your setup follows local and federal laws.

Law enforcement and emergency responder vehicles are equipped with front-facing video equipment, as those are used for official duties.

Things get a little more complicated about using entertainment devices while parked. Some states may allow using entertainment devices while the vehicle is shifted into park. However it’s important to check all local ordinances first.

While in-car technology continues to expand, so will the laws that govern them. Understanding how federal standards and state laws address in-car screens allows motorists to make informed decisions and stay within the law.

      Sources

• Edward Susolik, CEO, Senior Partner & Trial Attorney at Callahan & Blaine, expert in distracted driving and road safety cases.
  

  Resources

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Visual-Manual NHTSA Driver Distraction Guidelines”
• Governors Highway Safety Association, “Distracted Driving Laws”
• National Conference Of State Legislatures, “Cell Phone Use And Texting While Driving Laws”

The post The Legal Gray Areas Around Using Screens While Driving Explained appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: The Legal Gray Areas Around Using Screens While Driving Explained

12 Genius Ways to Use Plywood That You Never Thought of Before

Protect Your Lawn

When entertaining in your yard, put 3/4” plywood sheets under heavy items like tents and food stations. “It will distribute weight evenly, rather in small, specific areas,” says lawn expert Steve Corcoran. “This helps prevent holes or ruined small patches of grass.”

When it’s muddy, you can also use plywood for temporary walkways. “Plywood sheets have enough surface area that they will not sink into the ground,” says home improvement expert Bruno Mendolini.

• Safety tip: Sprinkle sand or add wood cleats on top for traction.

Give Your Seedlings A Boost

Create sturdy seed-starter carts with wheels, so you can roll them toward sunny windows.“Watching those tiny seedlings sprout while it’s still cold outside is incredibly motivating and gets you ahead on gardening,” says Goranson.

• Pro-tips: Try tomatoes, peppers, herbs or flowers, and “opt for birch plywood for a smooth, attractive finish that takes paint or stain beautifully to match your home decor,” says Goranson.

Organize the Mudroom

Build custom entryway storage for wet boots, coats and other gear. “Ditch the soggy floors and welcome spring with a tidy, inviting entryway that makes coming home feel great,” says Goranson.

• Pro-tips: Before your final assembly, apply multiple coats of polyurethane sealant to prevent warping or molding. For extra protection, place a rubber liner inside the boot area, and don’t forget to anchor the assembly so it doesn’t pose a safety hazard.

Create Art

Plywood makes an excellent medium for projects like paintings and abstract sculptures. “I’ve seen some interesting wall art made from leftover plywood from other home improvement projects,” says home painting expert Carr Lanphier. “There are some great tutorials online for those who are less artistically inclined, and plenty of images to draw inspiration from as well.”

Dampen Noise with Acoustic Panels

Plywood’s cross-grain construction naturally dampens annoying echos. In his quest to build a home recording studio, DIY enthusiast Cody Schuiteboer used 3/4” panels with acoustic foam backing. “The transformation was immediate and dramatic,” he says.” Pro-tip: Instead of making the wall uniform, stagger panel heights to attenuate sound in multiple directions.

Mendolini created his acoustic panels slightly differently, with strips of plywood, of varying widths, glued to a frame at different depths. “Plywood is the ideal material for this because it is rigid enough to bounce sound around but light enough to hang on the wall safely,” he says.

Build a Skateboard Ramp

Instead of buying an expensive quarter-pipe, Schuiteboer built one for his son for just a few hundred dollars. “Plywood has a good surface and texture for skaters,” he says. “I also added a smooth plastic coating to the ramp’s top to make it easier for skaters to glide.”

Use 2x4s to build the base, then bend 1/2” plywood to the curve and secure it with screws at 6-inch intervals. “The biggest mistake is cheap framing, which leads to horrible flex during riding,” he says.”

Stabilize the Washer

If your washing machine vibrates intensely or is damaging he subfloor, this is the plywood project for you. Simply glue or screw two 3/4-inch plywood pieces together and place them underneath the appliance. “It’s incredibly dense and will distribute the weight across multiple floor joists,” says Mendolini. “This will prevent the washing machine from walking across the floor and will reduce the noise level considerably.”

Protect Cabinets from Leaks

A slow leak under your sink can ruin your expensive cabinet base before you even realize what’s happening. To prevent this, place high-quality 1/2” plywood, primed and painted with waterproof exterior paint, above the cabinet floor. “This liner will save your cabinet’s structural box from water damage by absorbing initial moisture and providing a bright surface that can be easily cleaned,” says Mendolini.

Transform Your Ceiling Beams

When contractor Andy Gibbs found an outdated wooden beam under some drywall, he decided to update its look to faux gluelam. His technique: cut dozens of 1-1/2” strips of plywood of different lengths, then laminate them to the old beam with a pin-nailer. Next, he filled and sanded the entire assembly and finished it with polyurethane. “The bottom of the beam was finished with 2X8s cut to the same width as the faux glue lam finished width,” he says. “Stunning!”

Add Pizazz to Your Vanity

Gibbs also built a floating vanity by cutting 3/4” plywood into 1-1/2” strips, then flipping them 90 degrees, so the ply laminations showed at the top. “This one came out beautifully,” he says. “You can only see the zebra effect of the edges of the plywood slats looking straight down, but from a distance, it’s a solid glossy slab with solid wood strip edge trim.” Pro-tip: Use cabinet-grade plywood, and finish with four coats of clear polyurethane.

Protect Outdoor Furniture

If your outdoor seating has open slats on the bottom, add a thin sheet of exterior-grade plywood underneath the cushions. “It creates a flat, breathable layer that reduces pressure points on foam and also stops water from pooling underneath cushions,” says upholstery expert Mike Handelsman. “It’s a pity more people don’t know about this!”

Pro-tip: drill one-inch holes across the plywood so air can still flow through. “This helps the foam dry faster and also prevents mold,” he says.

Repair Sagging Sofas

If you have sagging sofas or sectionals, plywood can help reinforce them. “Instead of replacing the entire frame, you can just cut strips of plywood and screw them lengthwise across the weakened section from underneath,” says Handelsman. “This works well because plywood distributes pressure across many layers and reinforces strength.” Pro-tip: Round the edges and pre-drill, so it doesn’t split.

FAQ

Is it safe to use plywood for kitchenware (like cutting boards or countertops)?

No. Plywood has several disadvantages here, including toxic glues, seams that can hold bacteria, the tendency to splinter and a lack of durability against knives, heat and moisture. “For any kitchen-adjacent projects, add a separate food-safe surface like laminate, butcher block or a sealed tray on top,” says Goranson.

Can plywood be used in high-moisture areas (like bathrooms)?

Sometimes, if it’s outdoor or marine-grade and well-sealed with a heavy-duty moisture-resistant sealant. But, it is still possible that the moisture could release chemicals from the plywood, says Goranson. “For food-related or steamy applications, consider certified composite alternatives or professional-grade options to ensure safety and durability,” he says.

About the Experts

• Eric Goranson, aka Eric G from Around the House, is a syndicated radio, podcast, TikToc and YouTube video host, and Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) with the National Kitchen and Bath Association. He has more than 30 years of experience, and is a nationally recognized expert in home remodeling, construction and interior design.
• Bruno Mendolini is a home improvement and tile expert, and co-founder of Tile Choices.
• Andy Gibbs is a contractor with five decades of experience in remodeling and building, and used plywood and engineered wood exclusively on his whole-house remodel in Palms Springs. He’s also building RemodX, a deep-content remodeling education platform for homeowners.
• Carr Lanphier is CEO of Improovy, a Chicago-based painting company.
• Steve Corcoran is CEO of Lawn Love, a company that connects commercial and residential customers with local lawn care professionals.
• Mike Handelsman is CEO and owner of FoamOrder, which specializes in tailored foam solutions and performance materials for homes and outdoor spaces.
• Cody Schuiteboer is president and CEO of Best Interest Financial home financing, and a DIY enthusiast.

The post 12 Genius Ways to Use Plywood That You Never Thought of Before appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: 12 Genius Ways to Use Plywood That You Never Thought of Before

Hyundai Issues Massive Airbag Recall After Safety Flaw Discovered

No one wants to get into a car accident. If you’re unlucky and do get into one, you’re relying on your seatbelt and airbags to keep you safe. When they work properly, they can save your life. But if there’s a problem with your airbags, you’re at a much higher risk of injury or even death. Unfortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just announced that hundreds of thousands of Hyundai vehicles have an airbag issue and are subject to recall. Find out which ones are dangerous and what the company is going to do about it.

Why Is Hyundai Recalling So Many Vehicles?

According to the NHTSA’s recall brief, in the affected vehicles, “the side curtain air bags for third-row occupants may deploy improperly in a crash.” Airbags are crucial for keeping you safe in an accident; the NHTSA warns that “improper side curtain air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.”

Given their airbag issues, “these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, ‘Ejection Mitigation.'” If you’re a Hyundai owner, you should refrain from using it as much as possible until you know whether or not yours has this dangerous fault. Don’t take the gamble that you’re the exception; that’s a recipe for disaster.

Which Hyundai Vehicles Have Faulty Airbags?

Per the brief, Hyundai is recalling nearly 600,000 vehicles, including the:

• 2020 Palisade
• 2021 Palisade
• 2022 Palisade
• 2023 Palisade
• 2024 Palisade
• 2025 Palisade

If you own one of these vehicles, you should keep a close eye on your mailbox. The company will be mailing out owner letters in late March 2026. You can also search your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA site if you want to find out sooner.

How Will Hyundai Fix This Airbag Problem?

According to Hyundai, “The remedy is currently under development.” When the remedy is available, schedule your appointment at your earliest convenience. And until then, as stated earlier, minimize your use of the vehicle, especially the third row. You don’t want to risk the lives of your passengers if you can avoid it. Instead, you should use another one of your vehicles, carpool with friends, or try pubic transit or a rideshare service.

If you have any further questions, you can reach Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 292, and the NHTSA number is 26V034000.

Source

Side Curtain Airbag May Deploy Improperly/FMVSS 226, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2026.

RELATED:

• Do You Know What That Little Button on Your Seat Belt Is For?
• What Those Lines on Your Backup Camera Really Tell You
• Here’s What The Small Panel On Your Car’s Front Bumper Is For

The post Hyundai Issues Massive Airbag Recall After Safety Flaw Discovered appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Hyundai Issues Massive Airbag Recall After Safety Flaw Discovered

Your Ultimate Guide to Silencing Spam Calls

If you’ve noticed an uptick in annoying spam calls lately, you’re not alone. Thanks to AI technology, spam calls are more advanced and common than ever.

You might have heard of the Do Not Call Registry as a way to decrease spam calls. But is there any other methods for putting a stop to them for good? Or are spam calls an unavoidable headache of our modern world? We spoke to two cybersecurity experts to help answer those questions and more.

Why You’re Getting Spam Calls

The hard truth is: if you have a phone number, you will receive spam calls, either from legal telemarketers or scammers. Telemarketing calls are irritating, but the scam calls are the real danger. “Fraud has become cheaper, more scalable, and far more convincing than ever,” says cybersecurity and digital fraud expert Shlomi Beer. “Fraudsters use AI voice bots, dialers and human call centers that sound natural, making scams harder to detect.”

And sadly, senior citizens are not the only ones falling for these fraudulent calls (although they are the primary target of fraud calls and texts, racking up more than $3 billion in losses annually, according to the FBI). Even an average, fairly tech-savvy person can fall for scams. “Stolen personal data is widely available, allowing callers to reference partial details about you to appear legitimate,” says Beer. “Or criminals pretend to be banks, delivery companies, or tech support; often targeting people who recently searched for help online.”

How Not to Respond

The number one thing to remember: do not engage with spam callers. Even correcting the scammer about what bank you use or what state you live in can help them with future, more convincing calls. “The safest rule is simple: don’t correct, don’t confirm, don’t explain, just hang up,” says Beer.

You can block the number, but that might not get rid of the scammer for good. Often, the number you see is “spoofed“, meaning the number has been falsified on your caller ID display to disguise the scammer’s identity. “Scammers will rotate through a long list of fake numbers that will show up on their target’s phones. Not answering is the best approach,” says cybersecurity expert John Lemay.

Use Built-In Phone Tools

The good news is, spam calls can be avoided with features already built into your phone. You’ve probably seen the familiar message, “Potential Spam Call” or “Scam Likely” on your caller ID. Your phone can identify potential spam and scams using network data and analyzing spammer behavior, but you can take spam blocking even further with just a few tweaks to your settings.

iPhone Tools

On the iPhone, you have the option to silence or filter unknown callers, which are any numbers not on your contact list. Just be careful with this setting because it can cause you to miss important calls that aren’t saved, like from a doctor’s office. You can also choose to silence spam callers; with this setting, all calls identified as spam or fraud are silenced, sent to voicemail, and moved to your Spam list.

Android Tools

If you have a Samsung/Android phone, you can use a feature called Smart Call. Navigate to the settings menu and tap the switch to “Block spam and scam calls”. You’ll have the option to block all spam calls or only block high-risk calls.

Use Third-Party Spam Call Blocking Apps

According to Lemay, there is little, if any, need for third-party blocking apps. “The carrier protections coupled with the iOS and Android protections do an excellent job once set up,” he says.

However, if you want that extra layer of protection, “apps like Truecaller, Hiya, and Nomorobo are effective because they rely on large, frequently updated databases of known scam numbers and real user reports,” says Beer. “They can automatically block or label suspicious calls before you ever answer.”

What to Do If Spam Calls Keep Coming

If spam calls are still getting through your phone settings and apps, try adding your number to the National Do Not Call Registry as another preventive measure. It’s free and easy to register. Keep in mind that the Do Not Call Registry only stops unwanted sales calls from legitimate companies that follow the law. Unfortunately, it does not stop illegal scammers from calling your number.

FAQ

Why are spam calls so common now?

“The simplest answer is because they work,” says Lemay. “Spam calls can be automated, and this is easier than ever with the use of AI. If a bad actor gets one victim for every 100 or even 1000 calls made by their automated dialer system, that is a win for them.”

Why do spam calls come in waves?

According to the global cybersecurity company ESET, spam calls come in waves because of autodialing, which can make millions of calls each day. Autodialer software can rapidly cycle through massive lists of phone numbers, either randomly generated, bought from a third-party public data provider, or obtained from data leaks and breaches.

About the Experts

• John LeMay is the founder and principal consultant of Oceantec, an IT services provider. He leads the firm’s strategic direction and guides organizations through today’s complex IT and cybersecurity challenges.
• Shlomi Beer is the co-founder and CEO of ImpersonAlly, a cybersecurity company focused on detecting and stopping impersonation and fraud scams. He holds a PhD in Computer Science with a specialization in AI and has spent over a decade building large-scale fraud detection systems.

Related

• See a Green Dot on Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Means
• If You Get a USPS Scam Text, You Need To Do This Immediately
• This Is How Often You Should Restart Your Phone

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Silencing Spam Calls appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: Your Ultimate Guide to Silencing Spam Calls

The Benefits of Sleeping With a Weighted Blanket

If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you may be looking into things like white noise machines and other tricks to get a better night’s sleep. But you can also try switching up your bedding. Many people, myself included, swear that weighted blankets are the key to a good night’s sleep. There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence out there that they help, but is there any scientific evidence to back them up?

Do Weighted Blankets Help with Anxiety?

Admittedly, the studies on these blankets and their effects on sleep are sparse. Most of them freely admit that more research needs to be done, with larger sample sizes, before there can be broad, sweeping claims. But that doesn’t mean there’s no research. In a 2020 study in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT), researchers looked at the effects of weighted blankets on patients with anxiety and insomnia.

The literature review looked at eight different studies and concluded that “weighted blankets may be an appropriate therapeutic tool in reducing anxiety; however, there is not enough evidence to suggest they are helpful with insomnia.”

Do Weighted Blankets Help with Insomnia?

Four years later, a study in BCM Psychiatry looked specifically into whether or not weighted blankets help with insomnia. Over the course of the study, the researchers found that these blankets had positive effects on sleep quality and “a range of sleep-related negative emotions and daytime symptoms.” The researchers also concede that more studies, both longer-term and larger, are needed. However, their own study seemed to show that weighted blankets are “an easy-to-use non-pharmacotherapy option for adults with insomnia.”

What Do These Findings Mean for You?

Like with most interventions, everyone is built a little differently. What works for me might not necessarily work for you. None of the studies we found showed that weighted blankets degrade sleep quality. So, if you are someone who has anxiety or insomnia and finds physical pressure to be soothing, it’s worth trying them.

General guidelines say you should start with a blanket no heavier than 10% of your body weight. From there, you can scale up or down to find your comfort zone. Worst-case scenario, you find out you don’t like the blanket, and you can donate it to a friend who does.

Sources

Weighted Blanket Use: A Systematic Review, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2020.

Effect of weighted blankets on sleep quality among adults with insomnia: a pilot randomized controlled trial, BCM Psychiatry, 2024.

RELATED:

• 7 Signs You’re Over-Decorating
• 18 Cheap Decor Ideas That Look Expensive
• 14 Traditional-Style Home Decor Ideas That are Still Cool

The post The Benefits of Sleeping With a Weighted Blanket appeared first on Family Handyman.

Article source here: The Benefits of Sleeping With a Weighted Blanket