Beware of Fraudulent Online Shopping Page Leading to Malicious Mobile App

2024-01-24

Defrauding Tricks

Recently, scammers created a Facebook Page with a hyperlink, selling quality food at discounted prices to lure victims. When the victims clicked on the hyperlink, they were redirected to WhatsApp, an instant messaging app, to contact the scammers. Then the scammers sent the victims a message with a hyperlink for downloading and installing an app, and instructed the victims to download the app and, during the installation process, agree that the app can have access to their mobile phones’ data and all permissions. In reality, the app is a Trojan horse spyware that aims to control the victims’ mobile phones and steal all the information, including login names and passwords.

When the installation was completed, hackers opened the mobile banking apps or payment apps of the victims’ mobile phones and transferred out the money without the victims’ knowledge.

Our Advice

• You should download mobile apps on official app stores if needed, instead of by hastily clicking on any hyperlinks embedded in SMS messages;

• You should not grant too many permissions when installing apps;

• You may visit the Cyber Security Information Portal for more ways to keep your personal devices safe;

• You may consider installing anti-virus software on your mobile devices;

• Upgrade the operating system and mobile apps to the latest version frequently;

• Enter the suspicious URL on “Scameter” or “Scameter+”, the mobile app of “Scameter”, for security check in addition to seeking verification from relevant organisations;

• Remind your relatives and friends to stay vigilant against deception;

• If in doubt, please call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for enquiries.