Seven Strategies to Protect Your New Smartphone from Phony Apps

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While many Pennsylvanians found a new smartphone under the tree last month, Secretary of Banking and Securities Robin L. Wiessmann urges consumers to consider several strategies to protect their new smartphones from phony apps that can steal information, take over that new device, and wreak havoc on personal networks.

Wiessmann explains that these phony mobile apps are promoted on websites or through marketing emails, which appear to be legitimate offers from famous companies. However, phony apps are designed to fool users into sharing credit card, banking, or other personal information. Some phony apps also contain viruses, malware, or ransomware, which can take over the phone and steal personal information of people stored in email address books and contact lists.

According to research firm RiskIQ, criminals using phony smartphone apps focus their efforts on imitating the leading brands in e-commerce. These brands have thousands of blacklisted apps that contain branded terms in the title or description.

"The benefits of using e-commerce to buy and sell on computers and smartphones are enormous both for consumers and our economy," said Wiessmann. "However, in this age where technology makes tasks easier, it is more important than ever for consumers to take the time to investigate the tools they use and take control before handing over money, sharing personal information, and downloading apps to their personal devices."

Wiessmann points to several strategies that can help consumers protect their smartphones:

Some phony apps make themselves "invisible" or appear as though you have deleted them. If you believe you have downloaded a phony app, delete the app immediately if you can, restore your phone to its factory settings, and change all passwords.

Anyone can contact the Department of Banking and Securities at 1-800-PA-BANKS or 1-800-600-0007 to ask questions or file complaints about financial transactions, companies, or products. Members of the public are also invited to connect to the department through Facebook and Twitter, or subscribing to the department's newsletter.

Media contact: Ed Novak, 717-783-4721

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SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities