DEFENDERS: Be cautious when using mobile payment apps

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mobile payment apps come with a lot of conveniences, but their popularity also makes them targets for scammers.

Mobile apps such as CashApp, Venmo and Zelle are easy ways to send money. But users of those apps should make sure their money is going into the right hands.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers have reported losing money to scammers using mobile payment apps. The FTC said some thieves pretend to be someone their target knows, asking for money and saying it's an emergency. Other scammers will say they're with the app company itself or the user's bank.

The FTC says consumers should not to be afraid of using mobile payment apps, but should make sure they know how to protect themselves against scammers who also use them.

Here are some recommendations from the FTC:

• Never send money to anyone you don't recognize.
• If you get a cash request from someone you do recognize, call or contact them to make sure they made a request.
• When using the app for the first time, it will usually ask permission to access information on your device, such as your contacts, to make payments easier. If you're not comfortable with that, deny access or uninstall the app.
• Read your bank statements closely and regularly.
• If you have experienced a money transfer scam or other fraud, report it to the FTC.