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Halifax has issued a warning for people with Android phones who could fall into a new trap set by scammers when they use the online store Google Play. Cybercriminals have been hiding viruses in apps that may initially be perceived as harmless, infecting users’ phones and causing untold damage.
While Google Play is often many Android users’ first point of call when downloading a new app, it seems it might not be entirely safe.
Fraudsters are targeting the online shop to install malware on devices in a new, creative scam to steal people’s personal information.
Describing the apps, Halifax said: “It could be any kind of app, such as one for a QR code.”
However, it said while the app may look genuine, it might not install or work after it’s been downloaded.
READ MORE: Government issues warning for energy rebate scams
Halifax issues Google Play app scam warning – ‘causes serious harm’ (Image: GETTY)
And in this case, Halifax said: “This virus can cause serious harm to a device that’s very hard to fix.”
Delving into the type of harm the virus could cause, tech news platform Livewire listed it could include display pop-up ads that generate money for the developer; extraction of personal details, such as email address, phone number, GPS coordinates, and passwords; message theft; as well as open the device up to future attacks.
Fortunately, there are effective ways to avoid this scam, according to Halifax. The bank lists the key steps to be:
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People are advised to report potential scams to Action Fraud (Image: EXPRESS)
People can also take additional measures to safeguard their devices and personal information.
This includes keeping the device up-to-date and ensuring to download the latest operating system (OS), as well as being WiFi-wise by always using a secure connection.
However, this isn’t the only creative and somewhat believable scam sweeping the nation.
A scam advert, even on a trusted social media site, could fraud you out of hundreds. But how can you spot these kinds of scams?
Experts discuss all in this week’s Scam Watch with James Walker from Rightly and Louise Baxter from the National Trading Standards Scams Team.
Here’s how YOU can spot a scam website – all the warning signs to watch for.
Cybersecurity experts at VPNOverview are urging iPhone users who see a suspicious update notification appear on their screen to simply restart their device.
TikToker @mrjamienyland received over 15.2 million views and over 1.3 million likes after posting a TikTok revealing that hackers have found a way to push a notification to an iPhone claiming that the device has been hacked.
The notification instructs people to download a particular update; wherever the person clicks on the screen, it will automatically download the alleged software.
It is thought that if the screen is clicked, the hackers behind the notification will be able to access all of the person’s personal and private data – from photos to text messages and more.
Nathan Daniels, cybersecurity expert at VPNOverview said: “Social engineering attacks like these are very common nowadays. They can target pretty much anyone and the idea is to trick the victim into compromising their own device or account(s).
“This specific type of attack is especially common, as it tries to convince you your device is infected with malware and the attackers are offering you an easy fix.
“Never fall for this! Often clicking on the message will actually result in a malware infection.
“If you get such a message, simply close the window where it appeared, or if this is not possible, simply turn off or restart your phone.
“If you do suspect your phone might be compromised by a serious threat, you can always use a reputable anti-malware or antivirus solution to locate and address the threat.”
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