ANDROID users have been warned to delete 17 “malicious” apps that blackmail people out of money.
So-called SpyLoan apps have been downloaded more than 12million times, according to experts.
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Perpetrators have gone as far as sending death threats to pull off their wicked scheme, ESET claims.
These dangerous loan services market themselves across social media and prey on vulnerable victims.
They promise “quick and easy access to funds”.
Users have to surrender access to various kinds of sensitive information on their phone to use them.
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This includes call logs, storage, media files, contact lists, location data and text messages.
Scammers then take this information to pressure people into making payments, even if they didn’t apply for a loan in the end, some victims claim.
“These malicious applications exploit the trust that users place in legitimate loan providers, using sophisticated techniques to deceive people and steal a very wide range of personal information,” explained ESET researcher Lukáš Štefanko, who uncovered the sinister scheme.
“It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution, validate the authenticity of any financial app or service, and rely on trusted sources.
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“By staying informed and vigilant, users can better protect themselves from falling victim to such deceptive schemes.”
Most victims have been traced back to Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
There are currently no active campaigns targeting the UK or US.
ESET says Google quickly removed 17 such apps once notified.
But those who have already installed the apps will need to check phones and delete them manually.
According to PhoneArena, these are the 17 apps:
- AA Kredit
- Amor Cash
- GuayabaCash
- EasyCredit
- Cashwow
- CrediBus
- FlashLoan
- PréstamosCrédito
- Préstamos De Crédito-YumiCash
- Go Crédito
- Instantáneo Préstamo
- Cartera grande
- Rápido Crédito
- Finupp Lending
- 4S Cash
- TrueNaira
- EasyCash
How to protect yourself from fraud
USE the following tips to protect yourself from fraudsters.
- Keep your social media accounts private – Think twice before you your share details – in particular your full date of birth, address and contacts details – all of this information can be useful to fraudsters.
- Deactivate and delete old social media profiles – Keep track of your digital footprint. If a profile was created 10 years ago, there may be personal information currently available for a fraudster to use that you’re are not aware of or you have forgotten about.
- Password protect your devices– Keep passwords complex by picking three random words, such as roverducklemon and add or split them with symbols, numbers and capitals.
- Install anti-virus software on your laptop and personal devices and keep it up to date – This will make it harder for fraudsters to access your data in the first place.
- Take care on public Wi-Fi– Fraudsters can hack or mimic them. If you’re using one, avoid accessing sensitive apps, such as mobile banking.
- Think about your offline information too – Always redirect your post when you move home and make sure your letter or mailbox is secure.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
