Getting rid of a fake loan app involves the process of discarding, deleting, erasing, avoiding, and disposing. To get rid of a fake loan app, ensure that security measures for data retention and protection are utilized. The process for data encryption methods, systems, and protocols is shared below to help you get rid of these apps. If you intend to further report these fake loan apps, ensure you follow our guide on how to report fake loan apps. The following are eight major ways to get rid of fake loan apps:
Table of Contents
1. Use antivirus software
Using antivirus software is important when getting rid of a fake loan that fails to do what is required by a law, an agreement, or a duty. Fake loan apps have different intentions, and installing the app increases the chance of your device being affected by a virus. Installing reliable antivirus software becomes more important to avoid having your phone affected by a virus from the fake loan app you installed. Antivirus software identifies and eliminates viruses, worms, trojans, and other malicious software that the fake app brings to your device. The antivirus software prevents data encryption and extortion and safeguards against fraudulent websites and emails.
The best antivirus software, according to Forbes Advisors, is:
- Bitdefender: Best overall.
- Avira: Best value for your money.
- AVG: Best for solopreneurs.
- McAfee: Best for multi-device protection.
- Malwarebytes is best for real-time protection.
- Avast is best for remote workers.
- F-Secure: Best for plan customization.
- G DATA: Best for comprehensive features.
2. Protect personal information
Protecting personal information from fake loan apps becomes a crucial factor when getting rid of these apps. Leaving personal information open without any encryption measures increases the chances of cyberbullying and theft. You should focus on improving the security of your personal data. Personal information such as usernames, passwords, security questions, credit card information, bank details, transaction histories, emails, messages, call recordings is more sensitive information that should not be shared.
To protect personal data from fake loan apps, remove personal identifiers where possible. Encrypt sensitive data in storage and transit. Limit who can access sensitive data. Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities. Define and enforce data retention limits.
3. Use secure networks
A secure network is a computer network that has implemented measures to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and resources. This means it safeguards sensitive information from unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial. Accessing fake loan apps through secure networks is a useful way to get rid of the loan app trying to steal your information. A secure network safeguards sensitive information, prevents unauthorized access, and maintains the overall integrity and reliability of your systems. It protects against data breaches, malware attacks, and other cyber threats that lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences.
The best examples of a secure network are VPNs. Below are best VPNs recommended by CNET experts:
- NordVPN: Best VPN Overall.
- TorGuard VPN: The Best Customizable VPN.
- Private Internet Access: Best VPN for Customizable Security.
- ProtonVPN: Best VPN for Tor Integrations.
- hide.me: Best VPN for Wi-Fi Security.
- Surfshark: Best VPN for Unlimited Connections.
- VPN Unlimited (aka KeepSolid): The Best Multi-Device VPN.
4. Use multifactor authentication
Multifactor authentication consists of protocols, methods, and systems. Using multifactor authentication protocols on your device helps get rid of fake loan apps trying to breach personal data and misuse it for personal gain. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security process that requires multiple forms of verification to gain access to a system or account. This adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a username and password.
To use the multifactor authentication method, you’ll typically need to provide at least two forms of identification, such as a password and a code sent to your phone. Ensure that your device has multifactor authentication systems that you can utilize to add security to your device. Apps storing your personal information should have multifactor authentication systems and protocols to enhance security.
5. Check for data encryption
Checking if sensitive data is encrypted is an important factor when getting rid of the fake loan apps trying to access your information. Ensure that all apps and systems holding your personal data are encrypted so that these loan apps remain locked out. Check if the loan has data encryption policies. Data encryption safeguards personal information.
By confirming that my data is encrypted both at rest and in transit, I can reduce the risk of identity theft and financial loss.
6. Avoid sharing OTPs
Avoid sharing OTPs with loan apps that request that you provide OTPs for other apps installed on your devices. Even if they claim to be from your bank or a trusted company, they might be trying to trick you into revealing your personal information, allowing them to access your accounts and steal your money. Remember, legitimate institutions will never ask for your OTP.
Sharing OTPs mistakenly increases the chances of fake loan apps accessing your sensitive information, hence triggering an unsafe environment and outcome. OTPs (One-Time Passwords) are components of multi-factor authentication that help enhance security measures. One-Time Passwords (OTPs) shared by the fake loan app developers should be discarded and replaced with other passwords to minimize data breach cases.
7. Delete the app from your device
Deleting the fake loan app is the fastest way to get rid of the app and secure your personal data from being stolen. Before deleting the app, ensure that an important procedure is used. Clear the app’s data and cache before uninstalling. Report the fake loan app to the app store (Google Play or Apple App Store) to help protect others.
Deleting an App on Android
- Locate the App: Find the fake loan app icon on your home screen or app drawer.
- Long Press: Tap and hold the app icon until it starts to wiggle or show options.
- Uninstall: Look for an “Uninstall” or “Remove” option. Tap it to begin the removal process.
- Confirm: Confirm the uninstallation if prompted.
Deleting an App on iOS
- Find the app: Locate the fake loan app icon on your home screen.
- Tap and Hold: Tap and hold the app icon until it starts to wiggle.
- Remove App: Tap the small “x” that appears in the top left corner of the app icon.
- Confirm: Confirm the deletion when prompted
8. Report to the Play Store
Reporting fake loan apps helps to get rid of scammers. Reporting fake loans reduces data piracy for harmful reasons. Read the Play Store report policy and understand how they can provide the information and evidence so that their systems get rid of the fake loan app. Reporting the loan app involves gathering evidence and checking how they breach data and personal information. To understand each step carefully to report the fake loan app, read this document.
9. Block loan apps from accessing contacts
Blocking loan apps from accessing your contacts becomes an important factor when you want to get rid of fake financial apps. To block loan apps from accessing your contacts, follow these steps below:
- Review App Permissions
- Revoke Contact Access
- Use App Permissions Managers
- Uninstall Unnecessary Apps
- Disable Auto-Updates
- Install Security Apps
- Check for Hidden Permissions: Look for hidden permissions within app settings.
- Regularly Update Your Phone’s OS: Ensure your operating system is up to date to manage permissions effectively.
- Understand App Terms and Conditions: Review what permissions the app asks for before installing.
- Use Alternative Contact Methods: Consider alternative methods like email or secondary numbers for loan app registration.
Review App Permissions
One of the key steps for blocking a loan app from retrieving your contacts is reviewing the phone settings that allow the app to access your contacts. When the app permissions are enabled, the chances of the loan app retrieving your contact details go high. To ensure that the app permissions do not access and retrieve your contact information, make sure that the contacts permission access is disabled or disallowed.
Use App Permissions Managers
Using third-party app permissions managers enables you to block fake loan apps from accessing your contacts. The app permission managers contain encryption tools that enable you to prevent these fake loans from finding your contacts. The app permissions and app permissions managers such as AirDroid Business, Bouncer, and Privacy Dashboard are some of the main ones that should help you with these settings. The major settings that allow you to get rid of these fake loan apps revoking the access of personal information, such as contacts.
Disable Auto-Updates
Disabling the loan app auto-updates contains fewer chances for the app to access your contacts. However, leaving auto updates enabled can be risky for you because app permissions might be re-enabled during the update process. In most cases, apps usually auto-update based on the settings done on the devices. During the setting for device updates, ensure settings are done properly and safely.
Install Security Apps
Installing a security app is one of the ways to block loan apps from accessing your contacts. Using advanced security apps to monitor your phone enables you to understand suspicious activity and unfamiliar access. Security app settings help you to block unwanted app access and other platforms as well.