I keep seeing warnings ⚠️ about fake apps. How do we know if an app we are going to install is the real deal or a fake one?

[sage2021]

This is getting scary! 😳 Even apps that say they are to protect your phone are sometimes fake and they get your personal and bank card info and then you are screwed!🤷🏼‍♀️

[SueShe]

That is a big red flag and no no.

If you want to install any apps, only install them from the web page of the bank or financial institution. They usually have a link or QR code you can scan and only then can you install those applications.

Also, check for the correct spelling of the URL and most important, if you are installing an app from outside the official Apple or Google web store, be cautious. I would not even try to use those parallel app services as they are not certified.

It is very important that you check exactly the spelling of the words that just follow the HTTP:// or HTTPS:// letters. Best is not to install anything that does not have the added security (letter S following the HTTP).

Spammers are very good at hiding their scheme and replacing the letter "o" with the number "0" for example like in this fake example I created

http://www.jpm0rgan.com rather than https://jpmorgan.com. Also, any text that should not be in the header of this example like

http://trustjpm0rgan.com is definitely a fake. Keep your fingers off and if in doubt, call your institution and ask them for confirmation.

Good luck.

[sage2021]

@SueShe

WOW! 😲 This is a lot of things to do and a lot of information.
I'm not tech savvy hardly at all and I don't have anyone who has ever taught me how to operate my cellphone. So, things like this is very hard for me.
Would you please come over and help me? I have chocolate bunnies with almonds sprinkled in them. Do you accept bribes?

[SueShe]

On my way but the snow might delay my travels by a few hours... 🤔

[SueShe]

If those apps you plan to download only come from the certified Google app store or Apple app store, then you should be relatively safe. Best would be to install an antivirus and program that is able to detect fakes.

If you do download one of them, then keep away from the app called Kaspersky. It was a good program before the entire Ukraine war and the issues between Russia and the rest of the world. It is said that this company is at the service of the Russian government.

[sage2021]

https://youtu.be/tRyqsOcBWsg?si=Px4lzZ6N0uWpM2r6

What do you think of this stuff? I feel petrified to do anything at all on my phone anymore.
For instance. I had an app installed over a year ago for a place that almost everyone buys online from.
Two days ago I look and now there's 2 identical apps. I didn't put the other one on my phone.
So what's up with that? Now I'm afraid to use the app and I don't have any other way to get my groceries. Lord help me.😔

I have my own private jet, so I'll just have the pilot sweep you up and you'll be here in no time.🤣🤣

[SueShe]

Your safest option is to call your financial institution and have your card blocked and have them issue a new one. It may cost you a few bucks to have it replaced but at least, you know that it is a genuine new card.

Also change your PIN often and never use the same PIN or password for different applications.

When you create a password, ensure it has a minimum of 12 characters, combining upper case and lower case letters as well as number and special characters. That would making it much more difficult for a hacker to access your data.

Example of a good password would be

My_nAME1z? s! ag20&21

[sage2021]

@SueShe

Get this!!! A company that I had purchased merchandise from started delivering me merchandise that I didn't order.
I called my bank to cancel my card and get a new one and just not buy anything from them again.
The banker said that they can still send me merchandise that I didn't order using my new bank card even though I am not going to give them my bank card information.

The banker said that I don't have to give them my new card number info and they can still send me merchandise that I didn't order with my new card because I have purchased merchandise from them before. What?🤷🏼‍♀️
Now what do I do? I just got my new card and they have access to do whatever they want to and I can't stop them.

I need my new card but I am afraid to activate it because that company is going to ship me all kinds of things I didn't order.
This just doesn't sound right to me. Your thoughts 💬?

[SueShe]

To activate your card, you need to type in the PIN you received by separate mail. Once you have activated your card, immediately change your PIN to minimum 6 digits. I don't know what the maximum number of numbers you can add and if you can combine numbers and letters.

When changing the PIN, never ever use a simple code like 123456 or abcdef. Those are the ones crooks start with. Also, no license plate number or telephone number, birthdays and the like.

The thing is that you will have to memorize that number and never carry a paper with it marked on it and carry it together with your card in your purse.

[SueShe]

Also, make sure that when you bought something from that supplier, you did not by mistake tick a box that states something like "yes, send me further merchandise on a regular basis" or something in that line.

Check that contract for the exact wording and cancel it if you have any doubt.

[SueShe]

Thanks for the MHO. Hope all worked out for you.

[Unycorn]

Search online and read about the app you wish to install.

Try not to use more apps than you need to.

Keep your system updated.

Don't use every free wifi.

[Unycorn]

I don't do banking with my mobile phone. Because I can't be sure my device is not infected.

[Unycorn]

Router is better saved than maybe your connected fridge. So don't connect with the router what needn't to.

[NathanDavis]

DO NOT!!

don't do that... just don't

especially not if related to banking

most of phones and OS out there should be good to detect fake and dangerous apps, so if they have flagged them automatically then don't install anything

what kind of app are you trying to install or use though...

[sage2021]

@NathanDavis

I don't know what OS means?

Apps that are to protect your phone from malware, etc. Except they themselves are the malware.🤷🏼‍♀️

[NathanDavis]

basically an Android phone... or Iphone

if you want to install an app to protect your phone, you only need ONE of them, and it is better if you install a well known and reliable one

[NathanDavis]

go to the Google Play Store and look up for the free version, of this very well known antivirus, called ESET

[sage2021]

https://youtu.be/tRyqsOcBWsg?si=yWt8fpa34tVMN8RF

I know that you don't watch my videos but this one is about 17 ways to get scammed and lose all of your money in the bank.

Please let me know what you think 🧐🤔 thank you

[sage2021]

@NathanDavis

Thank you so much for helping me. I really appreciate you!

[NoDecision]

I found that was true of Norton.

[kavakava]

Are you using a debit or credit card to buy things online?

[sage2021]

@kavakava

Well, hi stranger! 😀

Yes, I already know that it's best to use a credit card 💳 but unfortunately not everyone has one.

[kavakava]

Download Google Pay. This is what AI just told me.
————

1. Digital Wallets (The "Gold Standard")
Services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are widely considered the most secure because they use tokenization.
• How it works: When you pay, the merchant never sees your actual credit card number. Instead, they receive a unique, one-time-use code (a token).
• Why it’s safe: Even if the merchant's database is hacked later, your real card info isn't there to be stolen.
• Bonus: They often require biometric authentication (FaceID or fingerprint) to authorize the payment.

(I assume you have an android phone but if you have an iPhone then get Apple Pay.)

[sage2021]

@kavakava

Thank you for the very useful information!🙂

[kavakava]

You’re welcome. 😎

[Anastasia4real]

Mostly fake app's very little updates from Phone official store and if app showing too much advertising on your screen try to uninstall it because these apps sometime forcely installed unwanted apps without your consent and slow down your Phone

[sage2021]

@Anastasia4real

Yes, you're right. That just happened to me recently when I installed a weather app.

[AviatorTom]

If you only download apps from the Apple and Google stores, there is little chance of getting a fake or dangerous app. Do not download apps from an online ad, email or text. That's where the majority of bad apps are.

[exitseven]

Assume they are all fake unless it is from some place like your bank or a supermarket. Or of you purchase it from the Apple Store

[sage2021]

@exitseven
I have an Android phone.

[exitseven]

the google store

[douride2]

Personally I try to not download very many apps.

[Sal_Monella]

Before I install an app, I ask AI if f it's safe.

[Hoolapu]

Using Playstore and real website