In our tech-savvy world, everything is readily accessible and convenient…even banking. Gone are the days of waiting in line at the bank or even waiting for your computer to boot up. Now you can access your bank account from anywhere in the world via your smart phone or tablet.

But consumers need to be more cautious than ever when banking through any device, as hackers can prey on the unsuspecting, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns. The FINRA Investor Education Foundation, part of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, offers these five tips on how to keep your identity safe and your money in the bank:

Password-protect your phone or tablet so that only you can access the information on your device. This will help protect you if your phone or tablet is ever lost or stolen.

Never provide personal information unless you initiate contact with your bank or other financial institution. Financial institutions should not request account numbers, Social Security numbers or other sensitive information through email or text messages. If you’re not sure about a request, contact your bank by calling the number on the back of your debit or credit card.

Don’t stay “auto-logged in” to your accounts. Even though it’s convenient, it increases the risk that an unauthorized user will access your accounts.

Delete old texts from your bank to reduce your exposure to fraud.

Report lost or stolen devices immediately to your wireless provider and financial institutions.

Read more from FINRA about how to protect your money.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning consumers that hackers can burrow into mobile devices using technology used for hands-free calling and wireless keyboards.

Hackers are exploiting Bluetooth wireless connections to access texts, contacts and photos, send texts and even place long-distance telephone calls.

Bluetooth uses a low-powered transmitter and receiver that allow wireless handsets, keyboards and car stereos to interact with mobile devices.  Though the range of these devices is limited, hackers use special software and antennas to intercept the signals of compatible devices nearby using a technique called “bluebugging.”

Although this hacking method is relatively new and has been used mostly to hack the phones of government officials and celebrities, it is a reminder that consumers have to stay one step ahead of the criminals by understanding the risks and taking steps to protect themselves.

Scammers can hang out in a busy area such as a coffee shop, mall or any other public area and hack into nearby phones that are Bluetooth-enabled, using the phones to call long distance numbers and rack up charges for the unsuspecting victims.

BBB offers the following tips to ensure your Bluetooth isn’t hacked:

-Turn off your mobile device’s Bluetooth or put in “not discoverable” mode when you are not using it.

-If you make a call from your car, be sure to switch it off when you get out. Crowded public places are top spots for hackers.

-Don’t accept pairing requests from unknown parties.  If you happen to pair your phone with a hacker’s computer, then all your data will be at risk.

-When pairing devices for the first time, do so at home or in the office – not in a public area.

-Log out of shopping and banking applications when you are finished using them and never allow an app to store your login and password.

-Make sure you download and install regular security updates.  Device manufactures will release updates to address threats and correct weaknesses.

-Install software to allow you to wipe your device clean remotely in case you lose it or it is stolen.

You can find additional, related information at www.bluetooth.com.

As a new generation increasingly uses the internet, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns parents that mobile applications for smart phones and tablets are siphoning children’s data and sharing it. In most cases, the applications’ developers do not disclose whether data is being collected, with whom it is being shared nor how it is used.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a study called “Mobile Apps for Kids – Disclosures Still Not Making the Grade,” nearly 60 percent of children’s applications available from the iTunes store and Google Play that were examined by researchers “…failed to provide any information about the data collected through the app, let alone the type of data collected, the purpose of the collection and who would obtain access to the data.”

“As parents, we try to do everything in our power to monitor our children and keep them safe,” said Kim States, BBB president. “So it is very disconcerting when a study like this comes out and shows that our children’s information is out in cyber space and may be accessible by others with ill intentions.”

BBB offers the following tips for keeping children’s information safe prior to using an app:

• Check into the app before downloading. It is important to research and look into the details, such as the developer information and privacy policies.
• Be aware of the service of the app. Many free apps are used for advertising purposes and as a result can lead to different, unexpected pages without your permission. Make sure that the app does not bring your child to an unwanted page.
• Monitor how much your children share. Look into the amount of information that your children are sharing over the app and make sure that you are comfortable with that information being released to cyber space.
• Check out a company with the BBB. Prior to purchasing an app, always check reviews on www.bbb.org

For more advice on finding businesses you can trust, visit www.bbb.org