BBB WARNS BEWARE OF XMAS APPS

  

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to be wary when using cellphone apps to purchase last minute Christmas gifts.

In 2016, many people say they prefer it to hitting the holiday rush.  But experts say making purchases in different apps could get your identity stolen.

Bill McGuire of the Better Business Bureau says fake apps are mimicking real companies and look like real apps.  But McGuire says the fake apps are just designed to take your money.

When downloading apps to your electronic devices, BBB offers the following advice:

• Do your research before downloading.
• Read the reviews other people have left on apps in the app store before you download.
• Look out for poor grammar and typos.
• Be wary if the app asks for too much information.

If you have downloaded a fake app, delete it as soon as possible and:

• Take steps to protect your information.
• File a report with the app store so that if it is fake, they can take it down. You can also report it to BBB Scam Tracker.