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Education

these takeovers are a recipe for disaster.
• Spying apps: In-app browsers are quickly
becoming the new standard, but they might
not be as convenient as you think. In fact, some
apps monitor what users do when they use the
browser through their app. This means people
may be unknowingly giving data away to the
people responsible for running the app—and
this can often go well-beyond browsers.

Android users, in particular, are at heightened
risk of having their data stolen from third-party
apps. It's always best to use apps you can trust
and be aware of the service agreements in place.

• Digital sales fraud: The gig economy is
thriving, and more people are finding exactly
what they want online. Of course, not all so-
called online businesses are as dedicated as they
pretend to be. Due to the growing number of
ways to sell online, con artists and criminals are
taking a larger interest in online marketplaces.
When shopping online, customers run the risk
of purchasing low-quality products or even
purchasing services from someone who might
not be qualified at all. Be sure to look at reviews
and work with people who seem like credible
business owners.

• Chargebacks: Although digital customers are
at risk of fraud, so are online business owners.
Familiar with the digital payment gateways and
payment types used for online transactions,
fraudsters are realizing that protective measures
for customers can be weaponized. More digital
business owners are experiencing a form of
fraud where customers purchase something,
then contact their credit card company to
have the money refunded. In the end, these
individuals get the product or service for free,
leaving business owners to take the loss.

A percentage of people invariably have criminal intent
when interacting with the public. That is why we all
must remain informed and vigilant. As long as we take
active steps to recognize and push back against fraud,
we lower the level of damage that these individuals can
cause. Every year, be sure to catch up on trends—and if
you see something concerning online, always look into
it. It is best to exercise caution and be informed about
the potential risks.
Nicholas Cucci is the co-founder and COO of Fluid Pay LLC. He is also
a graduate of Benedictine University and a member of the Advisory
Board and Anti-Fraud Technology Committee for the Association of
Certified Fraud Examiners, as a CFE himself. Fluid Pay is the only 100
percent cloud-based Level 1 PCI payment gateway processing trans-
actions anywhere in the world. Contact Nick at nick@fluidpay.com.

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