Rich On Tech

Here’s how to defeat a scammer’s playbook. On my radio show, Patrick Coughlin, co-founder of Scamwise and author of Dark Side of the Boom, explains why scammers still rely on the same tactics: unexpected contact, urgency, and pressure to keep you from getting a second opinion. His advice: pause and verify through a second channel before you act. Catch Rich On Tech live Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on KFI AM 640.

Teaching the kids how to grill! Sure, AI can tell you how to do anything but can it really tell you how mom made her sausage stuffing or dad made his steak or grandma made her meatballs? I don’t think so. Some of the best memories we have are inspired by how we watched our family members do something. We carry that with us forever and ever.

Same energy 😂

Welcome to my world! 🎙️ Every Saturday I go live on KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles, then the Rich On Tech Radio Show travels across the country all weekend. Just a few places you can hear it: 📍 Los Angeles 📍 New York City 📍 San Diego 📍 Denver 📍 Boston 📍 Atlanta 📍 Tampa 📍 Charlotte 📍 Nashville 📍 Maui If you've got a tech question, call me live: 1-888-RICH-101.

Would you give ChatGPT access to your bank accounts? I did. In today’s Rich on Tech newsletter, I share what happened when I connected my finances to ChatGPT, what it can actually do, and whether it’s worth it. Plus: • Windows 10 users just got another year of free security updates through 2027. • My favorite apps of 2026 (the ones I actually use every day). It’s free to read at RichOnTech.com. Or just comment RICH and I’ll send you the link instantly via DM.

Windows 10 just got an extra year of free security updates. Microsoft has extended free security updates for eligible Windows 10 PCs through October 12, 2027, giving users more time before needing to upgrade. The free option requires enrolling in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program with a Microsoft account.

Remember the $599 MacBook Neo I told you about? That price is gone… at least for most people. Apple just raised the MacBook Neo to $699 as part of a broader round of price increases, citing ongoing memory and storage shortages. MacBook Pro models are up by as much as $500, the MacBook Air is up $200, iPads are up $100 to $200 depending on the model, and products like the HomePod, Apple TV, Vision Pro, iMac, and Mac Studio also got price hikes. One notable exception: iPhone prices remain unchanged. Students and educators can still get the MacBook Neo starting at $599 (used to be $499) through Apple’s education store. Just keep in mind that’s the base model without Touch ID. If you want the built-in fingerprint sensor, that version starts at $699 or $799 for everyone else. The good news? Amazon still appears to be selling the standard MacBook Neo for the old $599 price… at least for now. If you’ve been thinking about buying one, it may be worth checking before that changes too.

That “free piano” email? Be careful. The story is usually the same: someone says they’re moving, downsizing, or giving away a late family member’s piano and just wants it to go to a good home. All you have to do is pay for shipping. I actually wrote back to one of these. They claimed the piano belonged to their late husband, gave me the dimensions, said it had been recently tuned, and even sent photos. It all looked pretty convincing. But here’s the catch: they will direct you to a “moving company” that wants you to pay the shipping costs upfront. You send the money, and the piano never shows up. Bottom line: if a stranger is giving away a valuable piano and only asks you to pay for shipping, it’s almost certainly a scam.

Prime Day is here. Before you buy anything, read this. I rounded up the best tech deals, the gadgets I actually use, and my tips for spotting fake discounts. Comment PRIME and I’ll send you the full guide

My thoughts on Father's Day.... Curious to hear yours....

A peek into the feedbag!

If I didn’t reply to your email this week, this is why. 🌺 The Big Island of Hawaii has some of the best beaches and clearest water I’ve ever seen. Plus lava fields, lush tropical rainforests, volcanic parks, and some of the clearest night skies anywhere. This world we live in is truly an incredible place. How amazing that we get to be a little part of it. Pool, ocean or both? Mai tais (for the adults only ) Rocky coastline Morning hikes Food so fresh and local Dinner! Blast from the past Sunset luau Ancient traditions Can’t get enough sunsets Best waterfall yet Rainy side of the island Lava tube Volcanic crater Love this Amazing water Views for miles Excellent stargazing

NEW for Verizon customers: the carrier just launched a new loyalty program with some useful perks. Highlights: • No more activation or upgrade fees • Earn 3% back on your monthly bill in Verizon Dollars, which can be redeemed for rewards • Weekly freebies and offers (today’s perk is a free $5 Starbucks gift card) • A new simplified $45 plan Why now? Because it’s easier than ever to get great cell service for less through MVNOs like Mint Mobile, US Mobile, and even Verizon’s own Visible. Traditional carriers are feeling the pressure, so loyalty perks are becoming essential. If you’re a Verizon customer, you can sign up for the new loyalty program in the Verizon app now.

You are not alone. Instagram and Facebook were down this morning for a bit. Did you notice?

You know those eerily accurate Facebook and Instagram ads? Starting in July, Meta will use information from other websites and apps to personalize not just ads, but the content that shows up in your Facebook and Instagram feeds too. I checked my own account and was surprised by what I found. Activity was being shared from companies including Nike, DoorDash, OpenTable, Spotify, Peacock and more. What really caught my attention: Peacock alone had shared information about more than 1,100 interactions. Meta says it’s not collecting any new data. Instead, it’s expanding how it uses information that businesses already share through its tracking tools. The good news? You can turn this off. Check the graphic for the steps, then take a look at which companies are sharing information with Meta from your own account. Guaranteed it’s eye opening.

Siri gets a lot smarter with AI!

Gas for $1.99 a gallon in Los Angeles? Yep. ⛽️ On Tuesday, June 9, T-Mobile is covering the difference at one Shell station to bring gas prices down to $1.99 per gallon, roughly what drivers were paying when T-Mobile Tuesdays launched 10 years ago. 📍 Shell Station 10991 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 🕤 Starts at 9:30 a.m. 🕝 Ends at 2:30 p.m. or when funds run out A few things to know: • Open to everyone, regardless of wireless provider • Limit one vehicle per person • First come, first served • RVs, boats, fuel cans, freight vehicles and vocational trucks are not eligible • Security will be on site and the line may be cut off early if demand exceeds available fuel This deal is likely to attract a crowd.

For some parents, the screen time struggle is real #iOS27

Tim Cook takes the stage for the 15th and final time at WWDC 2026

So proud of my sons. Freshman year is finished for one, and the other is headed to middle school. How that happened so fast, I’m not entirely sure. Thankfully, I don’t feel any older. 🤣