Smartphones are coming up with new features every day, touch ID scan being one of them. This feature allows you to unlock your phone, approve a purchase or protect access to applications using a fingerprint or face scan instantly. It is highly beneficial as it prevents people from accessing your critical apps & personal information if they happen to lay hands on your unlocked device.

However, off lately cybercriminals have come up with touch ID scams to exploit users and steal away their confidential information.

How Does The Scam Work?

Since touch id scan is a convenient option, people are using it for more than just unlocking the phone. Nowadays, touch ID is being used for authentication on various apps. However, once you press your finger against the home button, there is generally no additional prompt to confirm whether you want to purchase the app or not.

The scam apps often pose as health assistants and invite users to use a touch ID to track calories, heart rate, etc. When you scan your fingerprint, an in-app purchase pop-up appears on the screen. Consequently, the screen is dimmed to make it hard to see the prompt. Once authorized, it usually charges you somewhere between $90 to $120 and the user is victimized by a touch ID scam.

How To Avoid Falling Prey To A Touch ID Scam

  • Double Check If It Looks Suspicious: If any app functions in a way other than normal, then be wary of it and avoid it altogether. The app might ask you to hold down your finger longer than usual, register your fingerprint in different ways, might not support fingerprints that you have saved with android/iOS or ask you to do a fingerprint scan numerous times to authenticate.
  • Check Reviews: Make sure that you read the reviews before downloading a new app. To some extent, this may help you know if the app is legitimate or not. However, if you decide to download it, then stay a little cautious and report it if you find any problem.
  • Disable Fingerprint Or Face Authentication For Purchases: The best way to stay safe is to disable fingerprint as well as face authentication for purchases. Even though you will have to type the password manually, it will give you extra time to consider if you wish to purchase an app or not. This is unlike fingerprint authentication where pressing the home button prompts the purchase.
  • Prefer Trusted Developers: When downloading an app, it is always preferable to buy the one that has been developed by trusted companies. Reputed apps usually have thousands of downloads and their developers have a significant online presence on websites & social media.

For more information, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213-4740.