Introduction
Many of us install new apps almost every day, but how often do we stop to check if the app is truly genuine? the truth is not every app we see is safe. Fake apps are out there carefully designed by scammers to look just like real ones.
But what do we mean by fake apps?
“fake apps are apps created by cybercriminals to cause harm to users and their devices.” These harmful apps may spy on you, steal passwords or bank details, show annoying ads, or secretly charge your phone bill. Fake app fraud is a big problem today. Most of the fake apps are in the apk format.
For example,
Apple blocked $1.8 billion in fraudulent transactions on the App Store in 2023.
In India, authorities uncovered major scams, including a fake crypto-mining app that cheated investors of hundreds of crores of rupees.
“Anyone can be a target” be it normal users, elderly people, even businesses. This matters today because almost everyone uses mobile apps, so fake apps can hurt lots of people and companies.
Modern Techniques Used by Attackers
Now that we have understood what fake apps are lets understand the techniques used by these criminals.
Fraudsters often use tools like ChatGPT to write these glowing reviews, making the app seem safe. The image below shows how fake reviews praise a fraudulent app.
These reviews use very similar wording and all give five stars, even if they are fake. This tricks people into downloading malware instead of a safe app. Scammers may also copy official logos or even government seals.
In one case, a fake “Pradhan Mantri Yojana Loan” app used the Indian government emblem to fool users, even though no such government scheme exists.
How Fake App Fraud works
Social engineering via messaging: Attackers spread fake apps using WhatsApp, SMS, or social media, often posing as banks or parcel services.
Mass fake app scams: In one Asian case, over 250 fake apps (e.g., dating or social apps) were used to steal contacts and personal files.
AI-powered deception: Scammers now use deepfake voices and cloned images to impersonate family members or trusted people, pushing victims to install fake apps.
Hidden malicious code: Harmful code is concealed to bypass security scans and detection tools.
Blended tactics: Modern scams combine social engineering with advanced tech (AI, cloning, obfuscation) to trick users.
How to spot and avoid fake apps
- The best defense is caution. Download apps only from official stores (Google Play or Apple App Store) and always review ratings and feedback before installing.
- Don’t install apps from chat links, unknown websites, or scanned QR codes install from Google Play or the vendor’s verified website.
- If someone sends a link in WhatsApp/Telegram, confirm via an official channel (company website, support email, or in app message). News and police advisories show many scams start in messaging apps.
- If an app has very few downloads but claims to be a big brand, be suspicious
- Look at user comments, if they all sound generic or too perfect, they might be fake
Read the app description, fake ones often have spelling or grammar mistakes
- Always keep your phone and apps updated — security patches help block known scam apps. Android’s Play Protect can also alert you if an app attempts phishing or mimics another app.
developers.google.com
If you suspect fraud
Put the phone into Airplane mode, revoke suspicious permissions and uninstall the app. If uninstall fails, back up essential data and factory reset the device. Police advisories recommend these steps after malicious APKs are installed.
Previously Reported Fake Apps and Detailed Analyses by Quick Heal
Blogs about Google Play Reported Samples
- Stay Alert of Facebook Credential Stealer Applications Stealing User’s Credentials – Jan 2022 – Read here
Blogs about Malicious APK Spread through Phishing Sites or Social Media (e.g., WhatsApp)
- Alert! Wormable Android Malware Spreading through Social Media Applications – April 2021 – Read here
- Fake Coronavirus Tracking App Exploiting Fear and Vulnerable Social Situations – March 2020 –Read here
Some Additional Blogs(less detailed analyses)
Blogs about Google Play Store Reported Samples
- Alert! 27 Apps Found on Google Play Store That Prompt You to Install Fake Google Play Store – August 2019 – Read here
- Quick Heal Reports 29 Malicious Apps with 10 Million+ Downloads on Google Play Store – Sept 2019 – Read here
- Auto-launching HiddAd on Google Play Store Found in Over 6 Million Downloads – July 2022 – Read here
Blogs about Scams and Other Malware Families
- Beware: SOVA Android Banking Trojan Emerges More Powerful with New Capabilities – Oct 2022 – Read here
How antifraud ai helps in detecting Fake apps
Fraud App Detector:
Fraud app detection: Proactively spots and alerts you about harmful apps that may steal data, spy on activity, or infect your device.
Hidden app detection: Identifies suspicious or hidden apps already installed on the device.
Install-time alerts: Warns you when a newly installed app is not from a trusted or credible app store.
Conclusion
Fake app fraud is a growing danger that can trap anyone. Attackers use modern tech (like AI and social tricks) to make fake apps very convincing. The impact on users can be severe: identity theft, money loss, or harassment.
Businesses also suffer when their brand is cloned or customers are hurt. The good news is that many effective measures exist. download only official apps, read reviews carefully, and use security tools which can help you reduce the risk. Companies and developers can help by protecting their apps and educating customers.
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