The holidays are a joyous time for family, festivities, and finding great deals. But amid the excitement, online shoppers face a growing threat: mobile fraud. It's crucial to be aware of these risks and take precautions to protect yourself.

A woman shopping on her smartphone

Mobile Fraud on the Rise

Recent surveys reveal a significant rise in mobile fraud concerns. A substantial percentage of consumers have either experienced or know someone affected by mobile scams, malware, or cyberattacks. Distrust in app developers is also increasing, with many consumers believing security is not a priority. Social engineering tactics, such as location spoofing and account takeovers, are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Tom Tovar, CEO of Appdome, emphasizes the need for consumer vigilance against phishing, smishing, and vishing scams, as well as more sophisticated threats like AI-enhanced FaceID bypass attacks and banking trojans. These attacks highlight the importance of strong in-app security.

A woman shopping on her smartphone

Four Steps to Secure Mobile Shopping

While these scams are becoming more sophisticated, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself:

1. Choose Secure Apps

Prioritize shopping on well-established and trusted platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. Look for apps with transparent security policies and practices. Read user reviews and choose apps from reputable sources. As Tovar suggests, consumers should prioritize brands that demonstrate a clear commitment to security.

2. Beware of Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing

Be wary of fraudulent emails, text messages, and phone calls designed to steal your information. Verify the legitimacy of any communication before clicking links or sharing sensitive data. Comprehensive antivirus software can provide an additional layer of protection against malicious links and other threats.

3. Manage App Permissions Carefully

Be mindful of the permissions you grant to apps. Only allow access to features essential for the app's function. Avoid granting unnecessary permissions that could be exploited by malware. Tovar advises consumers to question whether requested permissions align with the app’s purpose.

A woman shopping on her smartphone

4. Secure Your Financial Data

Use secure websites (https) for online transactions. Avoid storing payment information on untrusted apps or websites. Tovar highlights that while consumer vigilance is essential, the complexity of modern threats necessitates proactive security measures from app developers.

Key Takeaway

The holiday season brings both shopping opportunities and increased scam risks. By staying informed about the latest threats, selecting secure apps, and practicing safe mobile habits, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability. App developers also bear a responsibility to prioritize user safety and implement robust security measures to protect against evolving threats.