Google has banned a number of apps from its Play Store for being part of a premium SMS scam campaign that defrauds unknowing users under the guise of offering certain tools. So you for example download an app for editing photos, or for certain cool filters, or for scanning QR codes, but you end up getting signed up for some expensive SMS service and losing money.
Avast, the cybersecurity company which reported on the organised scam says. “The apps discovered are essentially identical in structure, meaning the same base app structure is repurposed numerous times. These copies are disguised as genuine apps through well-constructed app profiles on the Play Store. The profiles feature catchy photos and enticing app descriptions alongside often high review averages. However, upon closer inspection, they have generic privacy policy statements and feature basic developer profiles including generic email addresses. They also tend to have numerous negative reviews from users that correctly identified the apps as scams or have fallen for the scam.”
The Apps to Delete:
The full list is available here. But below are some of the apps that you need to delete from your phone if you by any chance have them installed.
Although already banned by Google, you may still have the apps on your phone. So go to Settings > Apps > and Uninstall any of them if they’re on your device.
- PhotoLab Pro +
- iOS Launcher X 2021
- Spam Calls Buster
- WhoCall Caller ID and Spam Blocker
- Pulse Rate Checker
- NOWDownloader and Private Apps
- Video Saver & Private Browser
- Wallpaper Anime for Android
- Pixelize Art
- Muslim Memoji & Stickers for Whatsapp
- Easy Chat Translator: All Language
- SecVPN: Fast and Secure VPN
- LED Border
- Smart Global Translator
- Free Launcher X Pro
- ICall U – Online Video Hotchat
- Pure Tube PRO: Block Video Ads
- Future AI Scan Free 2021
- Qibla Finder: Qibla Compass & Prayer Times 2021 EasyCode: QR and Barcode Scanner
- Wi-Fi Opensignal
- Ano caller: Spam List & Caller ID
- Pro Calls Recorder
- Amazing Arab Videos
- Ultima Keyboard 3D Pro
- VideoMixer Editor Pro
- FX Animate Editor Pro
- Battery Animation Charge 2021 Dynamic HD & 4K Wallpapers
- RGB Neon HD Keyboard Background AppLock X FREE
- NewVision Camera
- Ultra Camera HD
- Wi-Fi Password Unlock
- Wi-Fi Around: All Wi-Fi and Hotspots Unlock Colorful Call Screen & Phone Flash Waterdrinker Reminder
- GT Sports Racing Online
- Magic Fonts and Keyboard 2021
- All Language Photo and Voice Translator AI
- Crime City: Revenge
- Reface Ultra
- Projector HD/AR Video Editor
- AmazeTranslate
- Football Masters 2021
- New Body Shape Editor
- Call Voice Recording 2.0
- Pro Tuber Ad Blocker for Video
- Fitness Ultimate 2021
- Wallpaper XYZ Pro
How to avoid having bad apps on Android:
As we’ve always shared whenever such news breaks out:
- Don’t just download an app because it’s suggested either through an ad or by a friend. For example, with the above apps, most users have fallen prey by installing them based on Ads they’ve seen and clicked-on online.
- Constantly update and check for updates on the Google Play Store which has a scanner to help identify bad apps you may install.
- Try and always check app reviews before getting an unknown app. Check for the negative reveiws as well.
- Don’t just allow permissions when requested by an app – make sure the app actually needs permission being requested. If an app demands certain permissions you know it doesn’t need, remove it from your phone.
- Upgrade your phones to the latest software each month as soon as an update is pushed. You can regulaly be checking for updates to ensure you’re always on the latest software version.
- If an app on your device is acting suspiciously – like sending unnecessary ads, or notifications, or other things, delete it unless you trust the developer 100%.
