Google Play Store cancels 150 apps that scammed users

Regardless of the device you are using, you need to be careful with scams. Any email you receive, text messages someone sends you, or apps you download can be dangerous. The last warning is about a collection of apps. Android false sul Google Play Store.

Cybersecurity software company Avast reported a scam campaign dubbed UltimaSMS in the last weeks. According to Avast, 151 applications were part of the truffle SMS premium. These fake Android apps masquerade as legitimate tools, from photo editors and camera filters to games and QR code scanners. Their intention is to get victims to register for expensive SMS services. Everything can happen in the blink of an eye, before you know it, you will have already lost money that you may not be able to get back.

How does it work

If you install an app UltimaSMS, it will immediately check your location, IMEI and phone number to find out which country code and language to use for the scam. When you open the app, you will see a screen in your language asking you to enter your phone number and / or email address.

Once the information is submitted, the application subscribes it to a premium SMS service That could cost up to 40 euros a month. At this point, the app will display even more subscription options or it will simply stop working.

The discovered applications are essentially identical, which means that the same main application structure is reused multiple times. These copies are disguised as authentic applications through well-built profiles in the Play store. The profiles feature eye-catching photos and descriptions along with often high review averages. However, on closer inspection, they have generic privacy statements and have basic developer profiles, including generic email addresses. In addition, they tend to have numerous negative reviews from users who have correctly identified the applications as scams or have fallen for the scam.

Android device users have already downloaded these apps more than 10.5 million times. The good news is that Google has since banned all the apps that were part of this specific campaign.

Here are some of the Android app false that people have installed on their phones:

• Ultima 3D Pro keyboard;
• VideoMixer Editor Pro;
• FX Animate Editor Pro;
• 2021 battery charge animation;
• Dynamic HD and 4K wallpapers;
• HD Neon RGB keyboard wallpaper;
• AppLock X is FREE;
• New vision camera;
• Ultra HD camera;
• Unlock Wi-Fi password;
• Wi-Fi Around: unblock all access points and Wi-Fi;
• Colorful call screen and phone flash;
• Reminder for the watering hole;
• GT Sport Racing Online;
• Magic characters and keyboard 2021;
• Photo and voice translator in all AI languages;
• Crime City: Revenge;
• Reface Ultra;
• HD / AR Video Editor Projector;
• LivePhoto animator;
• Ludo Masterpiece Online;
• Mobile Scanner Pro – PDF scanner app, scan to PDF;
• Magic Mix Cut – Excellent Video Editor;
• Future Scanner 2021 FREE;
• Professional Video Downloader 2021;
• AmazeTranslate;
• Soccer Master 2021;
• New editor for body shapes;
• Call voice recording 2.0;
• Pro Tuber Ad Blocker by video;
• Fitness Ultimate 2021;
• Sfondo XYZ Pro;

If you find any of these Android apps on your phone, delete them immediately.