Steps to protect yourself while shopping on your phone this holiday season

The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and shopping. It’s a time to relax, enjoy good food, and perhaps even go on a vacation. However, with the rise in mobile fraud, shopping online during the holiday season comes with its own set of risks. Scammers are constantly looking for ways to target online shoppers and steal their personal and financial information.

According to Appdome’s latest U.S. Consumer Survey, fraud is a major concern for many Americans, with more than 40% of global consumers reporting that they or someone close to them has been affected by mobile fraud, malware, or cyberattacks. Social engineering tactics, such as phishing, smishing, and vishing, are commonly used by scammers to trick users into sharing sensitive information.

To protect yourself while shopping on your phone this holiday season, there are a few steps you can take. First, make sure to shop on safe and trusted mobile apps like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. These platforms have robust security measures in place to protect your information. Be cautious of phishing, smishing, and vishing scams by verifying the authenticity of emails, texts, and phone calls before sharing any personal information.

When granting permissions to apps, be mindful of the access you are giving them to your device’s features. Only grant permissions that are necessary for the app to function properly. It’s also important to protect your financial information by using secure websites with “https” in the URL and avoiding saving payment details in apps or on websites unless they are reputable.

While consumers should stay vigilant and practice good mobile hygiene, app developers also play a crucial role in keeping users safe from scams. By prioritizing security and implementing robust security measures in their apps, developers can help prevent users from falling victim to scammers.

As mobile shopping continues to grow, it’s essential to stay informed about potential threats and take proactive steps to protect your personal and financial information while shopping online. By following these tips and staying aware of common scams, you can enjoy a safe and secure shopping experience this holiday season.