Embodiments of inventive concepts are provided wherein a mobile device, such as a smartphone, may be configured to communicate with a base station, using a first mode, and to communicate with an access point using a second mode that comprises a level of security exceeding that of the first mode. The second mode communications between the mobile device and the access point are conducted over a short-range wireless link responsive to an identity of the mobile device and/or responsive to a biometric data being provided by a user of the mobile device. Such second mode wireless communications may include data relating to a financial transaction and/or other data that may require an increased level of privacy and/or security.