Arr, me hearties! Learneth how to guard thy treasure from Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App scallywags, lest they plunder ye booty!
2024-01-27
Arrr, mateys! Avast ye! Methinks these modern contraptions, like Venmo, Zello, and Cash App, be leavin' many a landlubber vulnerable to the tricks of scurvy scallywags and swindlers. So says Alvin Bragg, the district attorney of Manhattan, savvy?
In a humorous 17th-century pirate language, the article discusses the risks associated with using mobile payment apps. It opens by describing a scenario in which a person is forced to transfer money through a payment app at gunpoint. The article then highlights the vulnerability of unlocked iPhones without Stolen Device Protection, which can lead to crimes and thefts.The Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, has written letters to the companies that own these apps, demanding better security measures such as transaction limits and secondary verification. Bragg states that these apps enable criminals to access unlocked devices, drain bank accounts, and commit identity theft.
The article includes responses from the companies, such as PayPal and Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle, assuring that they prioritize customer safety and have implemented various security measures.
The author lists three ways in which criminals can cheat or steal from users of these apps: phishing, spoofing, and device theft. They emphasize that the security features provided by the apps are not enough and provide ten tips for users to protect themselves, including accessing the app from official sources, setting strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and monitoring account activity.
The article advises users to report suspicious transactions, contact their bank or credit card issuer in case of fraud, and change passwords immediately. It also suggests considering identity theft protection services and reporting scammers to both the app company and authorities.
The author concludes by reminding readers of the benefits of mobile payment apps if used safely and securely. They ask readers for their opinions on whether they believe the apps are doing enough to protect against scammers and provide contact information for further communication.