Scambook Alerts Consumers of Google Play Store Bombarded By Android Scam Apps
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 07, 2013 -- With the growing impact of technology and in particular smartphones, security is becoming a larger concern as it becomes a more integral part of our lives. Recently, the hacking of SIM cards has been making the news and it seems the Google Play Store, Android’s version of the iPhone App Store, is becoming riddled with apps designed to scam consumers.
“Consumers may be unaware of the degree to which fraudulent Android apps are being added to the Google Play Store. New scam apps are added almost daily. This means individuals need to take greater steps to protect their Android devices and the personal information they store on them,” said Scambook’s Director of Marketing, Kase Chong.
Scambook, the Internet’s leading consumer advisory platform, wants to inform consumers about how these fraudulent Google Play apps work. Rather than relying on malicious code, the scammers exploit simple human error, making it nearly impossible to spot with their fraudulent apps due to the Google Play Store’s automated process of sifting through application submissions.
Difficult to spot, these Android apps may look as well-made or professional as legitimate apps. Their tricks are meant to even fool Google employees monitoring Play Store app submissions.
One application in particular is simple enough to open with no purpose other than to launch a link to an adult video website. When the user is then asked to register, an email form is generated linking to another service on another website. Users are then asked to pay a $3,200.00 yearly fee within days of receipt. *
Applications similar to this are constantly showing up in the Google Play Store, requiring Android users to exercise extreme caution when using new apps, especially those not coming from reputable sources.
Scambook offers the following three tips for spotting malicious Android smartphone apps in the Google Play Store:
1. Make sure to check the source of the app: A common red flag are those companies that have never released another title and there are few to no consumer reviews or ratings.
2. Personal information must be provided: Apps have no need to ask for sensitive personal information. Even those “in-app” purchases that are common for many games are not typically necessary to enjoy a game.
3. Further purchases required: Consumers should not need to make further purchases, especially if they have already bought the app in the first place. Those who are asked to do so should exit and delete the app immediately.
ABOUT SCAMBOOK
Scambook is an online complaint resolution platform dedicated to obtaining justice for victims of fraud with unprecedented speed and accuracy. By building communities and providing resources on the latest scams, Scambook arms consumers with the up-to-date information they need to stay on top of emerging schemes. Since its inception, Scambook has resolved over $10 million in reported consumer damages. For more information, visit scambook.com.
*Schwartz, Mathew J., “Scam Android Apps Plague Google Play,” http://www.informationweek.com/security/mobile/scam-android-apps-plague-google-play/240159084 07/29/2013
Judy Dixon, PMBC Group, +1 (310) 777-7546, [email protected]
Share this article