Counterfeit BCS Championship Game apps

DAILY DOT COM - As Notre Dame gets ready to take on Alabama in the BCS National Championship, scammers are already running the fake plays aimed at getting your personal information.

In an online article by IP Lasso, branding protection software, loyal Fighting Irish and Crimson Tide encouraged to be on the look out for knock off apps for their favorite team.

The article states that more than 20 suspicious unlicensed apps, for each of the national contenders, have been identified.  It throws the penalty flag at one Android app named, Alabama Football HD Wallpapers .

The free app features HD Alabama Football graphics, but IP Lasso takes issue with the description, in which the developer writes:  “We have found a new way to generate some money from this free app.”

Fans downloading the app are required to allow it to READ and WRITE TO their bookmarks and web history, as well as give up precise GPS location.

Experts say by giving up access to your personal data, you could be putting yourself at risk for malware, or having sensitive information stolen by would-be cyber criminals.

Many tablet and smart-phone users have their app accounts and passwords linked to a credit or debit card that are authorized to purchase everything from a $.99 song, to a $2,500 Macbook.  Not to mention, online hackers can also sell your account information.

While some customers are able to reverse the unauthorized purchases by working with their banks, your best bet is not to become a victim at all.

Suggestions on protecting yourself when downloading apps include:

• Read permissions thoroughly
• Think before agreeing to give up your GPS location
• Check developers’ track record
• Make sure reviews and star-ratings add up

Unfortunately, mobile cybercrimes are happening more often.  Check out some of the trends we are expected to see in 2013.