Fake Security App

Cybercriminals are you using a combination of smishing and vishing scams in their latest campaign. The scam starts with a text message that looks to be coming from your bank that states there has been a large transaction taken out of your account. They want to play on your emotions and want you to freak out to do an action. That action is to call the number they provide if you did not authorize the transaction.

Once the person calls the number provided and gets connected to the cybercriminal pretending to be their bank, they start the next phase of their scam. The cybercriminal convinces you to download a lookalike McAfee security app. The app is really fake and infected with malware. If you download this app, it will take control of your device and allow the cybercriminals to steal your data and have total control.

TIPS:

• Be cautious doing an action from an unexpected text message.
• Make sure to only download an app from a trusted source like Google Play Store and the Apple Store.
• If you receive an unexpected text message about transaction with your bank account, stop and think if you signed up for text message notifications. Also login to your bank account through your app or on a trusted website browser to see if this transaction is on there.

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