Website of the UK government

The threat of scam apps

The threat of scam apps is very real. Some users have been landed with bills of hundreds of pounds after inadvertently downloading a scam app.

And downloading one of these scam apps is easy to do. Many scam apps are available from genuine online app stores. They are often designed to look like free levels to popular and legitimate online games, or even as security tools.

However, these scam apps disguise malicious software (malware) which is downloaded at the same time.

Once downloaded, this malware lets fraudsters take control of the phone, allowing them to:

• make calls
  
• send and intercept SMS and voicemail messages
  
• browse and download online content
  
• access all personal and payment data available on the phone

In one common scam, fraudsters will repeatedly send SMS messages from the phone to their own premium-rate services.

Often the victim doesn't know anything is wrong until they see their phone bill. And with costs of up to £6 per message, you could be landed with a huge bill.

Avoiding scam apps

Unfortunately scam apps can appear in genuine app stores as well as unofficial online stores.

To help you avoid scam apps, Get Safe Online, the UK’s national internet security awareness campaign, recommends you:

• monitor your phone for any unusual activity
  
• check reviews and ratings as well as developer information before downloading a new app
  
• keep an eye on your battery – if your  battery suddenly starts draining really fast, consider that it might be a malware problem
  
• regularly check your phone bill online to keep tabs on any suspicious activity

Staying safe online

While the number of people accessing the internet on smart phones is growing, most people still use a computer to get online.

For tips and advice on keeping yourself and your children safe online, follow the links below.

• Be secure online (home and community section)

• Staying safe online (young people section)

• Keeping children safe online (parents section)

• Internet safety (parents section)

Get Safe Online Week 2011

The increase in smart phone malware is one of the key threats being highlighted during this year’s Get Safe Online Awareness Week.

Running from 7 to 11 November, Get Safe Online Week aims to raise awareness of internet safety issues and offers advice on how to stay safe online.

• Get Safe Online - expert advice for everyone Opens new window