Android users be alert! Delete these 151 apps from the phone immediately; Know the reason

Android users be alert! Delete these 151 apps from the phone immediately; Know the reason

Cyber ​​security software provider Avast recently found that 151 Android apps were involved in a premium SMS fraud scheme. UltimaSMS was a scam campaign that used a fake Android app to enroll users for valuable SMS services.

New Delhi Tech Desk| Malware and dangerous apps are very common these days. Despite Apple and Google's efforts to remove these apps, they sometimes return to the App Store  Huh. Cyber ​​security software provider Avast recently found that 151 Android apps were involved in a premium SMS fraud scheme. UltimaSMS was a scam campaign that used a fake Android app to enroll users for valuable SMS services.

More than 10.5 million users downloaded these apps

More than 10.5 million people in more than 80 countries have downloaded these 151 fraudulent apps. The app pretended to be tools in a variety of areas, including custom keyboards, QR code scanners, video and photo editing programs, call blocks, and games. Each of these apps followed the same pattern: after installation, the smartphone's location, IMEI number and phone number are verified to determine the appropriate area code and language.

Fraud with users

These malicious programs used prompts to ask for users' phone numbers and sometimes their email addresses. Without the users' knowledge, this information is used to sign up for premium SMS services. These fees are usually around $40 (approximately Rs.3,000) per month or more. After duping customers, the apps now either stop working or offer new subscription options. The basic issue is that even if a user uninstalls these programs, they will be charged a subscription fee for which they signed up.

Avast in its report compiled a list of all the 151 apps that are part of it. Users who have installed these apps on their cell phones should immediately uninstall them and check their bank/credit card account for any strange expenditure.