Recent publicity about FaceApp has provided an opportunity for cyber criminals who are interested in quick profits to scam users, according to ESET surveys.
Fraudsters have used as a bait a fake "Pro" version of the app and have tried to make it widely known through two types of scam. In the first, a fake site that claims to offer a premium version of FaceApp is used. In the second type of fraud, YouTube videos are used to promote links to download a "Pro" version. One of these forged YouTube videos had more than 150.000 impressions at the time of writing the survey.
The original FaceApp app, which is available for Android and iOS, enables the user to modify it picture of his face through various filters.
While the app itself is free, some of its 'PRO' features are only available on payment. Η εφαρμογή FaceApp και τα filters have gone "viral", just as much publicity, however, has also raised the issue of privacy protection on the internet in the context of using the application.
In one of the scams investigated by ESET, cybercriminals use a fake site that claims to offer a premium version of FaceApp.
In fact, scammers trick their victims into doing click in countless offers to install paid apps and subscription services, ads, surveys, etc. The victim also receives requests from various websites to allow the display of notifications, which, if activated, redirect to other fake offers.
Fake YouTube videos contain download links for apps whose sole function is to get users to install various other apps. By clicking on shortened links, users risk installing malware software.
"There were over 200 thousands of online stories about the faceApp Pro fake on Thursday 19 / 7. Only one of the YouTube videos we detected had more than 150 thousands of views, but its malicious links were clicked over 90 thousands of times, "says ESET researcher Lukáš Štefanko, adding that" cybercriminals have achieved such high rates CTR (Click Through Rate) that a legitimate business could not even imagine ".
The application has become extremely famous and many want to use it, but ESET recommends users remember the basic security principles before using it.
As tempting as an opportunity, as in this case a free upgrade to a Pro version, users should avoid downloading applications from sources other than official stores and carefully study the available app information developer, rating, reviews, etc.).
Security apps also work as security, as in the event that a user becomes a victim of fraud, if he has a reliable security app installed on his device, he will be able to save some negative consequences.
More details are in the article «With FaceApp in the spotlight, new scams emerge», at WeLiveSecurity.com.
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