7th blog

Credit Scam Alert: Risks of App Uploads on Your Phone

 

This afternoon, while riding in my sister's plush car on our way to lunch at a hotel, I recounted an alarming story about a friend's friend of mine who is currently in the U.S. Recently, she downloaded the Uber app to navigate the city, but something about the link she clicked felt off—a gut feeling she couldn’t ignore. Trusting her instincts, she immediately contacted her bank (I’ll keep the bank's name private for security reasons) and performed a small test transaction to check for any fraudulent activity. Her fears were soon confirmed—the link she had clicked was indeed fraudulent.

 

Early on, as my friend shared her friend's experience with me, a wave of unsettling familiarity washed over me. I realized I, too, had fallen victim to a similar scam almost a decade ago Back in 2016, during a trip to Las Vegas, I downloaded what I believed was the Uber app. I returned to the Philippines, only to be greeted by a shocking sight—a credit card bill that listed Uber transactions not just in one, but two countries: Belgium and Germany. My disbelief quickly gave way to a mix of anger, violation, and helplessness. How could something as simple as downloading an app lead to such far-reaching consequences?  To the credit of my bank, its fraud division acted swiftly, and by my next credit card statement, the fraudulent transactions had been removed.

 

These experiences linger far beyond the moment, eroding the sense of security we once had in convenience and technology. While it's easy to take everyday digital tasks for granted, these incidents serve as stark reminders of how crucial vigilance is. Whether it's double-checking URLs, using trusted app stores, or staying informed about scams, these small steps can make all the difference.

 

Avoiding Scams: Lessons from My Experience

Look, I’ve been there—I clicked the wrong link, and it cost me. These scams can catch anyone off guard, but here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:

 

1.     Double-Check Links Before You Click Don’t rush. Take a moment to hover over the link and check the URL—it’s amazing how sneaky scammers are with little misspellings or extra characters that mimic real sites.

2.    Stick to Trusted Sources . When downloading apps or visiting websites, use official platforms like the App Store or Google Play. Don’t trust random links or third-party sites; they’re just a risk waiting to happen.

3.    Install Antivirus Software. I didn’t think I’d need antivirus software.  Some programs can block suspicious links before you even notice them.

4.    Be Wary of Unexpected Messages Whether it’s an email, text, or pop-up, if you weren’t expecting it, treat it with caution. Scammers love to make things sound urgent, but remember—pause before you click.

5.    Learn About Scams (I Wish I Had Earlier) There are so many scams out there, and I wasn’t prepared for them. Do yourself a favor—read up on common tricks like phishing so you can spot the warning signs.

6.    Use Two-Factor Authentication After my experience, I’ve added two-factor authentication to everything. It’s an extra step, but it makes it so much harder for scammers to mess with you.

7.    Report Suspicious Stuff If something doesn’t seem right, flag it. Whether it’s to your bank, app store, or even social media platform, reporting can help stop these scams from spreading.

8.    Trust Your Gut My friend's friend followed her gut when something felt off, and she was absolutely right. If something seems fishy, don’t ignore that feeling—it’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

Perhaps these tips seem like things you’ve heard before—by bank officers.  But this blog isn’t just another checklist. It’s born out of the frustration and disbelief of someone who lived through it. As a victim, I know firsthand how devastating this kind of fraud can be. The sleepless nights spent unraveling the mess, the sinking feeling when you realize your offered trust has been exploited—it stays with you. That’s why I felt compelled to share these lessons, not from a textbook or a policy manual, but from raw, personal experience. I hope they serve as more than just advice; I hope they protect you from the trouble, the stress, and the overwhelming sense of violation that scams leave in their wake.