Keeping yourself safe from creeps and hackers is a big job, but certain habits make it easier.

Here’s a simple one: Stop giving your phone number to every place that asks for it. Read this tip I put together about the best ways to hide your phone number and email address for help.

Another smart step is regularly checking your most important accounts. Use Google? Start here.

Here's a mistake I bet you didn't know you were making: Leaving your smartphone's Bluetooth switched on 24/7.

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Bluetooth is a short-range wireless radio technology that allows different devices to communicate with each other. You’ll find the tech in cars, speakers, TVs, headphones, keyboards, mice, printers and more.

It works similarly to Wi-Fi and cellular networks but performs simpler tasks at shorter ranges. You don’t need a cellular signal or network connection to use Bluetooth, and it doesn’t use data.

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You’ll find the tech baked into just about every smartphone you can buy nowadays. But as with a Wi-Fi network or other connection, Bluetooth has vulnerabilities.

There are a few ways threat actors take advantage of Bluetooth-enabled devices:

Hackers and scammers need to be close to you to use Bluetooth to hijack your phone. But in just about any public space, you’re arm’s length from strangers. 

While Bluetooth is beneficial for many applications, be careful how you use it.

My advice: Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it. Keeping it active all the time makes your device more discoverable. As a bonus, keeping Bluetooth off will increase your device’s battery life.

Here are a few more ways to protect yourself:

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There are a couple of ways to disable Bluetooth on your iPhone. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and switch it off. You can also swipe down from the top right of your screen to open the Control Center and tap on the Bluetooth icon.

The same steps work for Android phones: Go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Bluetooth and switch it off. (Note: Steps vary based on your phone’s model. Look or search for Bluetooth if these steps don’t match your phone.)

You can also swipe down from the top of the screen to display the Status Bar and then swipe down and tap Bluetooth to switch it off.

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Airplane mode also disables Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, among other things, so it works in a pinch — but you won’t receive calls or texts.

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Plus, I did research and found the best independent news sites. I get freebies from my cable company and you can, too. Scammers are going after older folks on Medicare. Here's what to watch out for and warn your family!

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