Only Use Trusted Apps If you want to make mobile payments and need an app to do so, be very careful about the apps you choose and where you download them from. Trusted sources like Apple or Google have processes in place for screening apps; other sites may not. In fact, these other sites could just be scams aimed at getting you to download malicious spyware or viruses.
Lock Your Devices If your mobile device ever gets lost or stolen, you certainly don't want anyone to have access your personal information, including your bank accounts. While it’s always a good idea to use a password for your mobile devices, it’s absolutely necessary if you’re going to be making mobile payments. If your mobile device supports it, you can even use fingerprint or face identification for greater security.
Get Additional Protection In recent years, payments have adapted from being made on laptop and desktops computers, to mobile devices. With this new trend, thieves are beginning to change their targets, therefore, you should look into security apps designed for your particular device make and model.
Be Internet Smart If a particular mobile payment involves sending money via a webpage, always check to make sure the site’s web address starts with “https” instead of “http.” This lets you know that the information you are sending is secure. Additionally, you should never use a public Wi-Fi network to make a mobile payment, since this can put your data at risk of being stolen. Use your own wireless network instead.
Monitor Accounts Even though the actual money changing hands in mobile transactions can seem like it exists in a magical land of digital fairies, it’s actually coming from good old-fashioned checking or credit card accounts. If someone has weaseled their way into your mobile payment system, any missing money will become apparent after checking your online account statements. Rather than waiting to check your accounts when you receive your monthly statement, set a specific day each week to inspect your account for suspicious activity.
You may have the sense that mobile transactions make your information more vulnerable, but in fact they can be even safer than carrying cash, or debit, or credit cards. This is only true, though, if you take necessary steps to secure your transactions.