There’s an App for That (But it Might be Fake)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued tips to watch out for fake apps. Mobile phone applications are increasingly the shopping option of choice for consumers, and fraudsters are getting into the market creating convincingly real apps, often imitating well-known retailers that steal your credit card or bank information, or install malware that locks your phone and you have to pay to unlock it. Tips from the FTC for identifying a fake app include: 

• Not sure if a shopping app is legit? Go directly to the retailer’s website and see if it promotes it. If it does have an app, it will direct you to the app store where you can download it.
• On the web, you can search a brand name, plus “fake app” to see if the company has reported its brand being spoofed.
• Look for reviews of the app before you download – both in the app stores and on the web. If the app has no reviews, it was likely created recently, and could be a fake. Real apps for big retailers often have thousands of reviews.
• Don’t download apps with misspelled words in their description. Many fake apps were created in a hurry. On the other hand, some fake apps look almost like the real thing.

The FTC also recommends keeping records of your mobile transactions by taking a screenshot of the receipt, description and price. Also, always make sure to watch your credit card and bank statements for any irregularities.

For more tips on safely using apps on your phone, check out the FTC’s “Understanding Mobile Apps” article.