Gen Z is losing more money to online scams than boomers: Constant internet use makes them comfortable doing business online. For fraudsters, it’s the perfect opportunity to lure them into fake employment opportunities, sketchy online purchases, or investment or crypto scams. Last year, Gen Z lost an average of $155 per person to online scams (paywall link).
Tech tip: How to use your phone to pay for everything
Get ready to ditch your old wallet for a faster, safer option. Instead of swiping your card at checkout, you only have to hold up your phone. Apple and Android smartphones allow you to pay for everything from your next latte to your new favorite sweater using built-in apps.
You can even use voice commands to send money to friends and family. Saying something like, “Hey Siri, send mom $100,” works as long as you have mom set up in your contacts. Tap or click here for five safe ways to pay online.
You can use Apple Wallet and Google Pay to buy things in stores, online or in apps. It’s easy to set up, too. We’ll walk you through the process. Pro tip: I always keep a $20 bill tucked inside my phone case. That way, if a retailer doesn’t accept digital payments, I always have another way to pay.
How to set up Apple Pay on iPhone
If you haven’t already done so, you’ll need to add a card to Apple Wallet. Here’s how:
- Open Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay.
- Tap Add Card.
- Select Debit or Credit Card.
- If you have the physical card, position it within the frame on the screen. The iPhone’s camera will attempt to scan the card details automatically. Alternatively, you can choose the option to Enter Card Details Manually.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to provide the necessary information, such as card number, expiration date and cardholder name. You may also need to verify your identity through additional security measures, such as entering a verification code sent by your card issuer.
- Once you’ve entered all the required information, tap Next or Add Card to proceed.
- Your card issuer will verify the details and may require additional authentication steps, such as providing a one-time password or confirming your identity through their app or website. Follow the instructions provided by your card issuer to complete the verification process.
- Once the verification is successful, your card will be added to Apple Wallet and you can start using it for contactless payments and other supported features.
NOTE: The card you enter will become your default payment method for new charges.
Here’s how to make purchases using Apple Pay:
- To use your default card:
- If your iPhone has Face ID, double-click the side button. If prompted, authenticate with Face ID or enter your passcode to open Apple Wallet.
- If your iPhone has Touch ID, double-click the Home button.
- To use a different card, tap your default card to see your other cards. Tap a new card and authenticate.
- Hold the top of your iPhone near the contactless reader until Done and a checkmark appears on the display.
RELATED: 10 iPhone tricks you’ll use every day
Pro tip: If you’re on the go and want to use Apple Pay quickly, there’s a way to bypass your lock screen and go straight to your Wallet.
- If you have a FaceID-enabled iPhone, double-click the side button.
- If you have a Home button model, double-click Home instead.
- Your wallet will pop up and you can pay quickly. Then, verify the purchase with your fingerprint or FaceID.
Looking for cheap airfare? Don't fall for this sneaky scam
Are you ready to start exploring the world again? Most people are after the crazy year we just went through.
But before you go booking a vacation rental, we need to share some helpful advice with you. Vacation rental scams are getting trickier, and they’re not easy to spot. Tap or click here for red flags to watch for.
Tired of buying shoes that don't fit? Measure your feet with this free app
Buying new shoes should easy. You’ve been doing it your entire life. But according to a recent study, many people are wearing the wrong shoe size without even realizing it.
Only 37% of people wear the correct shoe size for their feet’ length and width. How is it possible that almost 60% of shoe wearers don’t know what size to buy? Well, that stems from incorrect measuring. Tap or click here to see how Adidas is turning plastic bottles into shoes.
Apple Pay vs. Samsung Pay vs. Google Pay: Which is better?
Technology has replaced a lot of things we used to take for granted, like landline phones, typewriters, and paper maps. But a lot of people are still carrying around something that tech companies would like to consign to history: wallets. Most of us now have access to an alternative to an old-fashioned wallet. The big three options for mobile payment systems are Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. They all turn your smartphone (or certain smartwatches) into a mobile wallet, letting you pay for purchases without having to fish out a credit card or cash.
It’ll be here in March: Apple might offer a “virtual card number” in an upcoming iOS update. It will allow you to make online purchases where Apple Pay isn’t an option. The enhanced protection is impressive, generating a fresh security code for each transaction.