Google Wallet security bug affects all users, Google says it's working on a fix

[Christos Palmer]

Heads up, Google Wallet users: It seems a security bug has been found with the Wallet app that can allow a person access to your Google prepaid card. The issue arrises when someone gets a hold of your handset and then clicks the "Clear data" button in Google Wallet's app settings. Doing so will then allow the person to setup Google Wallet once again, which includes setting a new PIN and attaching Wallet to a Google Account, and then the Google Wallet prepaid card will be added to that new Wallet account. The problem is that Wallet is tied to the phone itself, so the app will load up the same prepaid card that was used with the previous Wallet account, giving this new person access to your prepaid card and any cash that may be present on it. Google has issued the following statement on the matter:

"We strongly encourage anyone who loses or wants to sell or give away their phone to call Google Wallet support toll-free at 855-492-5538 to disable the prepaid card. We are currently working on an automated fix as well that will be available soon. We also advise all Wallet users to set up a screen lock as an additional layer of protection for their phone."

Google Wallet security bug can affect all users, Google says it's working on a fix | PhoneDog

[timey]

They have to get hold of the handset first though, whcih simple procedures will protect. Doesn't affect me at all.