In the News
In the wake of constant web-based scams, tech companies aim to reduce the damage by educating their consumers. In Chrome adds new security features to stop mobile subscription scams, Frederic Lardinois at TechCrunch discusses Google’s new initiative on Chrome which will create pop-up warnings on websites that may charge a user for subscribing. Lardinois elaborates that this initiative’s goal is to educate consumers on the possibility of subscription scams charging a user through their phone carrier by creating a pause before accessing a site allowing customers to think about where they are choosing to browse. Lardinois also explains that subscription services that do require a fee are being recommended to state the cost breakdown in a more accessible way for the consumer.
Our Take
Online subscriptions are increasing in popularity, and while many subscription services are entirely legitimate, others prey and profit off of unsuspecting users. With many subscription scams, the user is unaware that they are signing up to be charged for a service because the ‘fees’ are hidden and only become noticeable when a user receives their monthly phone bill. No one wants to realize after the fact that he or she is being charged for a service he or she may not need. Google’s efforts to recognize subscription scams as an issue regarding user financial security marks continuous efforts from tech companies to provide transparency to consumers. While Google is taking steps to educate its users on online scams services, new responsibility falls upon us, the consumer, to realize that frivolously signing up for all services as easily as many people create new accounts might not be the best and most safe online practice. Subscribing for a service or not subscribing for a service is completely up to you, but what Google is implementing will provide users with the tools needed to choose online browsing and subscription services.
Recommendations
How can you protect your finances online?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Avoid clicking directly on links, whether in email or social media – always search through your search engine to verify legitimacy and find the appropriate site
- Research before you subscribe to ANYTHING
- Think before you subscribe to anything: What are you committing to?
- Utilize additional security/privacy measures and settings on apps, accounts, and platforms whenever possible
- Check your finances often to spot unusual activity before it becomes damaging