Scammers may trick you into downloading a bogus app from a phishing link that asks for your internet banking login credentials or credit card details.  

How The Apps Works

Victims who are Android smartphone users would be asked to download an Android Package Kit (APK) file, that may resemble an e-commerce app or a banking app. Once the app is installed, it will request Accessibility Service (many users are known to click accept as we are so used to it), which allows the app to have full control of your device. Victims would then be directed to fake bank websites to enter their banking details where the apps have key logging functions which will capture your user id and password to be send to the scammers.

Unofficial Apps

Unofficial app stores are usually used by scammers to bypass your phone’s internal controls and compromise your phone. Apple App Store, Google Play, Google Chrome and other apps can be impersonated. To reduce your risk, do not install apps from unofficial app stores.

Cheap Sales Ads

Many unofficial app are click baits from Ads of social media and because of the rampage of such cases, it is better to buy from well-known sites like Amazon, Shopee, Lazada etc.