Whether you are using a purse a wallet or a high tech device it is always important to make sure you valuables are stored safely out of reach of those who prefer to steal what you have. 

In an era of smartphones and online commerce individuals need to be aware that scams aren't just in their real lives and digital data and access needs to be considered as well.

Knowledge is power so learn to be safe in your cyber activities as well as your regular life, don't leave an open purse in the shopping cart and walk away and don't download random apps and share personal details to just anyone online.

Be smart, be safe, be secure!

Attention smartphone shoppers: watch for cybercriminals using phony apps or messages in an effort to hijack your device or steal your data.

Law enforcement and security experts say that as more people use their mobile devices in stores and on open Wi-Fi networks, the risks are increasing as well.

The FBI-backed Internet Crime Complaint Center is warning consumers to be on the lookout for fraudulent apps, messages and Wi-Fi networks which can trick users of mobile devices to divulge passwords, personal data or credit card numbers.

"Many times, e-mails, texts or phone calls will look or sound like they are coming from a well-known retailer, stating a need to 'verify' the full credit card number you used for a purchase or ask you to click a link to update personal account information," the center said.

The center said Android devices are often targeted by spyware, including one system called FinFisher, capable of taking a mobile device, or Loozfon, "an information-stealing piece of malware."