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 a fake 'Pro' version of the app as bait and tried to make it popular via two τύπων scam. Στον πρώτο, χρησιμοποιείται ένας ψεύτικος ιστότοπος που ισχυρίζεται ότι προσφέρει μια premium έκδοση της εφαρμογής FaceApp. Στον δεύτερο τύπο απάτης, χρησιμοποιούνται βίντεο στο YouTube που προωθούν links για λήψη μιας έκδοσης «Pro». Ένα από τα πλαστά αυτά βίντεο στο YouTube είχε πάνω από 150.000 εμφανίσεις κατά τη στιγμή της συγγραφής της έρευνας.
The authentic FaceApp app, available for Android and iOS, enables the user to modify their facial image through various filters.
While the application itself is offered free of charge, some of its features designated as "PRO" are available only for a fee. FaceApp and its filters have become 'viral', as well as publicity, but has also raised the issue of protecting online privacy while 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, cheaters deceive their victims to click on countless bids to install paid apps and subscriptions, ads, surveys, and so on. The victim also receives requests from various websites to allow alerts to appear, which, if activated, point to other bogus bids.
Fake YouTube videos contain download links for apps whose sole function is to get users to install various other apps. By clicking the shortened links, users risk installing malware.
"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.
No matter how tempting an opportunity appears, such as in this case a free upgrade to 'Pro' version, users should avoid downloading apps from sources other than official ones stores and carefully study the available ones information about the application (developer, evaluation, reviews, etc.).
The security apps also function as a safety valve, as in case the user becomes a victim of fraud, if he has a reliable security application installed on his device, he will be able to avoid some negative consequences.
More details are in the article «With FaceApp in the spotlight, new scams emerge», at WeLiveSecurity.com.
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