TECH BYTE: Zelle

(41NBC/WMGT) —  While they are convenient, there’s always a risk when using payment apps, or banking online, especially as criminals get creative, and come up with more ways to scam you. Let’s look at ways you can fight back, and keep your personal information safe.

It doesn’t take long to find several Zelle payment app users online, who say they lost thousands of dollars to third party scammers. The victims thought the fraudsters were representatives from their banks. Southern Payroll & Benefits CEO George Wilson says payment app users need to be smart and extra cautious, you obviously can’t trust everyone. “Unfortunately, some of these fraud cases, the general scams going on, they’re becoming more and more prevalent, and they’re becoming more advanced.” said Wilson who also recommends that you don’t reply to any suspicious emails. If someone asks for any bank account or personal information, reach out to the bank directly to see if it’s legit.

It’s worth it to take the extra step to make sure your information is protected and based on recent cases, Wilson says mobile payment apps need to step up their security across the board, “Multiple of our clients every 90 days or so, banks are forcing them to change passwords. So as scammers and hackers get more advanced, we need to just try and get more advanced to keep up with them.”