Security News > 2021 > July > Android app users targeted with cryptomining scams
2021-07-08 13:42
Found on Google Play and third-party app stores, the apps discovered by Lookout stole an estimated $350,000 from more than 93,000 people.
More than 170 Android apps, including 25 on Google Play, have been caught trying to scam people by offering cryptomining services for a fee but failing to deliver anything in return.
Many of the remaining apps are likely still accessible on third-party app stores.
A cryptomining app uses your mobile device's processing power to help mine cryptocurrency.
Google still allows the practice, hence a proliferation of Android cryptomining apps.
Users who've already downloaded a malicious or scam app will often write a review to warn other people to beware.