Smartphone Users Beware: Thieves Are Using This Tech to Steal Funds From Consumers

There's nothing more fun than dueling expert opinions. While police departments across the country have sounded the alarm about a new feature of the Apple iPhone's newest operating system, Apple is saying, "Nothing to see here, folks." Here, we'll tell you where the potential danger lies and the steps you can take to protect your personal finances.

Excitement over NameDrop

Apple users were recently given the option of updating their devices. The latest version of the operating system -- iOS 17.1 for the iPhone or watchOS 10.1 for the Apple Watch -- came with a feature called NameDrop.

Initially, NameDrop was designed to make it easy for people to exchange information. Let's say you're at a networking event and want to exchange contact details with someone you've just met. As long as you both have updated Apple devices, you could hold each device within an inch or so of each other to exchange contact details.

The fact that information could be so easily exchanged is what appears to have police departments and cybersecurity experts concerned.

Why the concern?

Police departments have warned parents to disable the NameDrop feature on their children's updated devices. The concern appears to be related to bad actors who might ask to see a child's phone and use the opportunity to access that child's personal information, including their name, address, and phone number.

The other major concern has to do with identity protection. According to cybersecurity experts at McAfee, thieves cannot steal a person's identity with only a name and address. However, those two pieces of information are like building blocks they can use to build a bigger picture and put your identity at risk.

Naturally, any risk to your identity is a serious matter. Identity thieves are experts at emptying bank accounts, taking out new debt in the victim's name, and ruining credit scores.

Depending on how much information is on your Apple device, a bad actor may have access to your name, phone number, email address, home address, work address, and even a picture of your face. That's a fairly good foundation for someone looking to take over your identity.

Why no one needs to panic -- although caution is recommended

Despite rumors to the contrary, a person cannot retrieve your contact information simply by walking past you. To share contact information, each party must agree and tap "share" when prompted. Even then, the only information shared would be the details each user added to their contact cards.

Let's say you want someone to have your contact information but don't necessarily need theirs. There's no need to reciprocate. And if you're ever in the middle of sharing contact information and decide against it, you can cancel the process by pulling your phone or watch away or by locking the screen before the transfer has time to be completed.

An easy-to-disable feature

Once someone downloads the latest operating system version, NameDrop comes as a default setting. However, it's easy to disable. Here's how:

• Go to "Settings"
• Tap "General"
• Select "Airdrop"
• Toggle off the "Bringing Devices Together" option

Despite the low-level hysteria surrounding NameDrop, it's good to be aware of another way we can protect ourselves against identity theft. After all, there's nothing creepier than a total stranger pretending to be you and taking out a personal loan or other debt in your name.