Security News > 2023 > August > Beware cool-looking beta crypto-apps. They may be money-stealing fakes

The FBI has warned of a scam in which criminals lure people into installing what they think are pre-release beta-grade phone apps to try out - only for the software to be laced with malware.

By dressing up these apps as beta tests, crooks can persuade curious netizens to download and install them from outside the normal app stores, bypassing whatever passes as a review process these days.

The Feds says they're aware of "Unidentified cyber criminals" luring marks with phishing emails or romance scams; the end result being the scammers build up a level of trust - even fake relationships - with their victims to the point where those folks are tricked into downloading and installing malicious apps.

The Feds talk of people being lured into downloading "a mobile beta-testing app housed within a mobile beta-testing app environment."

Folks should also be on alert for unauthorized apps appearing on their phones, apps that request access to permissions that have nothing to do with their functionality, and persistent pop-up ads.

As always, check the developers' info and customer reviews before downloading any app to your mobile device, and do not provide personal or financial information to someone you've only met online.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2023/08/14/fbi_mobile_beta_testing_apps/