Google Bans 150 dangerous SMS scam apps on Play Store were part of a major fraud called UltimaSMS.
Google Alert: shocking that the Google has banned the 150 apps and removed it from google play store.
These 150 malicious SMS scam apps on Play Store were part of a major fraud called UltimaSMS .Wherein this malicious apps acts to sign in the victim for expensive premium SMS services that earns them money while ultimately leaving victims facing big losses.
Such fake apps were downloaded more than 10.5 million times from the Google Play store
What is this UltimaSMS Scam and how it's deceived the users?
When the user download these apps from Google play store, the app check the user number, Gmail, users location and area code use for scam.
And once the app download or opened in the phone they app will force you to enter the Phone number and in some cases, email address to gain access to the app’s advertised purpose.
After completing the requested details the app starts implicating users in a premium SMS scam called 'Ultima SMS' (UltimaSMS).
The thugs had implicated people by installing keyboards, QR code scanners, video and image editors, spam call blockers, camera filters, and some game apps.
The sole purpose of the fake apps is to deceive users into signing up for premium SMS subscriptions.
Such malicious apps were downloaded in large numbers by people in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, USA, Poland, and many countries in the Middle East.
You can check the entire list of malicious malicious apps banned by Google Play Store here!
How to protect from these dangerous SMS App? Here is the way!
- Disable the premium SMS option from your carrier.
- Make sure to read the reviews before downloading any such app.
- Reading as many reviews as you can find, can help you find out the intent of the app.
- Don't register your mobile number in the app until and unless you trust the app.
- Read every notification that comes up while installing the app carefully and give any permission only after reading.