Your phone is probably filled with them and there are always many more to download. But are all these ‘apps’ secure and what happens when they’re created by scammers.
It’s too easy to fall into a trap of downloading an app because it speeds up a process, a service or makes a problem less complicated. Everyone downloads them and yet sometimes it can have terrible consequences.
When ‘scammer created apps’ are downloaded, information immediately starts leaving your safe place and heads off to the scammer. The simple app may have been for learning a new language, to help make quicker calculations, log in to an official website…. but all too often they insist on private information and permissions which too often are approved without hesitation.
It’s at the point of download, risk to the user appears thick and fast. Private information, passwords, location, and photo and video access can be granted without any knowledge to the user. In most cases, access is automatic or willingly granted using fake and hidden links or requests.
What was once secret becomes visible to a scammer. They find out who you are, what you like, even your bank details and passwords. A list of what can be twenty private pieces of information - all given to a complete stranger. Information that scammers can use to commit further crimes; the next week or in years to come.
But could the app be refused, ignored, or declined? Is there a more secure alternative? Such questions are why pausing is so important. Deciding to pause, gives you the time to think about what is happening, and question why are you being asked to download the app or if you have found one you like – to find out if it really is genuine and secure.
Once a wrong decision has been made, it can often be too late. That’s why decisions need time, that’s why pausing and thinking are important. There really is no rush to download an app and having all the information about it can be the best decision you make to secure the most private information you have. Information that should never be shared with scammers.
The next time you are contacted by a stranger, without warning, without ever asking; listen to the voice inside your head. Is it saying something doesn’t feel right?
To help, always remember to Pause – Think – Decide every single time. You’re in control. So, always do all you can to stop the criminal from making you just another victim.
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After a scam, what next?
What we think you could consider … if you’re the victim of a scam or fraud.
