If you’ve ever downloaded a retail store app or shopped online, there’s a good chance you could get scammed.
Two in five U.S. consumers have fallen victim to an online phishing attack, according to a 2017 Cyber Monday Phishing Survey by DomainTools.
This year, research studies have shown there are thousands of malicious iPhone and Android apps that look like they’re coming from major retailers.
ID Theft Security dotcom CEO Robert Siciliano said when you click those malicious links, it not only compromises your device, but also your personal information.
“Unfortunately, the term credit card security is somewhat of an oxymoron. Like, there is no way you to proactively protect your credit cards. The only way you can manage fraud is to be actively looking for unauthorized charges by checking your statements,” said Siciliano.
He said your personal information could be compromised, so keep an eye on fraudulent credit card purchases.
“The best case scenario is to go right to the bank or credit card company’s website and sign up for alerts and notifications, so you get an e-mail or text message with every single charge in real time,” said Siciliano.
He added to only download apps strictly from iTunes and Google Play, and only those that have high-rating approvals.
After the holidays, collect all your receipts and match them up to all your statements and make sure they match.
As the old adage goes, if you think something is too good to be true—it probably is. So, stop clicking, so quickly, on those big discount coupons, ads or unsolicited gift card.
Domain Tools reports this is the busiest time of the year for cyber criminals.