Hackers exploit these apps by engaging in phishing or romance scams to establish communication with victims. They then persuade the victims to download beta-testing apps, offering incentives such as large financial payouts. The FBI has identified instances where attackers contact victims on dating and networking apps and prompt them to download mobile beta-testing apps related to cryptocurrency exchanges. Victims are tricked into entering their legitimate account details, which the cybercriminals use to redirect funds for their own gain.
If unsuspecting victims download these fraudulent beta-testing apps, believing that they are legitimate cryptocurrency investment tools, they may unknowingly lose money through fake investments.
To help users identify these malicious apps, the FBI suggests looking out for the following red flags:
- Unusually fast battery drain on mobile devices
- Slowdown of device performance during processing
- Installation of unauthorized apps without the user’s permission
- Continual appearance of pop-up ads
- High number of downloads with few or no reviews
- Requests for unnecessary permissions that are unrelated to the app’s functionality
- Spelling or grammatical errors, vague or generic information, or lack of details in the app description
- Pop-ups resembling ads, system warnings, or reminders
In addition to these indicators, the FBI offers several recommendations for user safety:
- Research app developers and read customer reviews before downloading
- Avoid sending payments to individuals you have only interacted with online, even if you feel a connection
- Avoid providing personal or financial information through email or messages, and refrain from responding to solicitation links
- Exercise caution when using unfamiliar-looking apps for investment purposes and verify their legitimacy beforehand
- Be skeptical of urgent requests or threats, such as claims that your account will be closed if you don’t act immediately
- Be cautious of email attachments, even from known contacts, as cybercriminals can spoof sender information. Do not open suspicious attachments.
- If an email, attachment, or message appears suspicious, avoid opening it, even if your antivirus software indicates that it is safe. New viruses are constantly emerging, and your antivirus may not recognize them.
- Avoid clicking on links in emails or text messages that appear legitimate, as cybercriminals often use these messages to trick users into revealing login credentials. Verify URLs by hovering over links and checking for inconsistencies.
- Exercise caution when opening attachments and clicking on website links in emails, even if they are from familiar sources. Save and scan attachments before opening them.
- Maintain up-to-date software on your devices
- Limit app permissions and uninstall apps that are no longer in use
- In the event of fraudulent or suspicious activity, report the incident to the
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
