Google Play store has over 30 scareware application available for download as a cheat for the Minecraft game, more than 600.000 Android users have installed it.
The malicious applications was discovered by ESET Mobile Security. According to the security website, “all of the discovered apps were fake, in that they did not contain any of the promised functionality and only displayed banners that tried to trick users into believing that their Android system is infected with a “dangerous virus”. Users were then directed to remove viruses by activating a premium-rate SMS subscription that would cost them 4.80 EUR per week.”
The apps were uploaded by different developer account, but there was no difference in their functionality, the only difference is in the names and icons of the applications.
The app has only three buttons – Start, Options, Exit. After installing the app, the whole screen is covered by flashy advertisement , and the language of the advertisements are based on geographic location.
Clicking on any of the buttons or on the numerous banners will lead to an alert window saying that your device is infected by virus and need attention, and giving you many options to remove it.
Researcher Lukas Stefanko, ESET, wrote “The scareware prepares an SMS in the system default SMS application. The text of the SMS appears as an activation of the antivirus product. The application does not have permissions to send the SMS itself and solely relies tricking the user to do it manually by social engineering. If the user falls for the scam, it will cost him 4.80 € per week.”
To avoid downloading any kind of malicious apps, refrain from downloading apps from unofficial sources and keep security software on your Android up to date.
