Attorney general warns of retail app scams

Although retail apps are easy and convenient for those technologically inclined, the popular phone programs are also easy targets for scammers.

Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt wants consumers to be aware of counterfeit retail apps before the holiday shopping season kicks off this week.

Using retail apps allow customers to view and purchase items online and/or pick up their order in-store and receive store sales alerts all from the convenience of their phones.

“Now that many credit cards have computer chips, fraudsters looking to collect personal or financial information are going to get the data any way they can, including creating counterfeit apps for smartphones,” Laxalt said. “I advise every Nevadan looking to make purchases during this busy holiday season to take extra care and to minimize their risk of being scammed.”

Despite how easy it is to carry these actions out, Apple’s App Store and Google Play have seen a recent surge in counterfeit retail apps that impersonate well-known retailers.

Some of those retailers include Zappos, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, Foot Locker, Dollar Tree, Payless ShoeSource and more.

Counterfeit apps can steal the financial information from users of the bogus apps and can also access users’ social media accounts.

In some cases, the creators of the fraudulent apps install malware onto users’ smartphones, with the ability to lock a user’s phone and request a fee be paid before the criminals unlock the device.

The Attorney general’s office recommends these steps for consumers looking to avoid falling victim to this scam:

■ Check the retailer’s website for direct links to its own app. Never click on an email link to download a new app.

■ Run a search for reviews of the app and who published it. If the app has not yet been reviewed, that should serve as an indicator that the app was recently created. Few or bad reviews are also red flags.

■ Be cautious of any misspelled words in the description of an app. Fake apps are often created quickly and may contain grammatical errors.

■ Be wary of linking your credit card to any app. If the app turns out to be counterfeit, fraudsters can have easy access to your financial information.

Monitor your credit card statements more frequently during the holidays. Fraudsters can obtain credit card information even if you have not shopped online.

Those who believe they have been victimized by this scam can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.