The recent publicity surrounding the application FaceApp has provided an opportunity for cybercriminals interested in quick profits to scam users, according to ESET investigations.
Scammers have used a fake 'Pro' version of the app as bait and tried to make it popular through two types of scams. In the first, a dummy is used website which claims to offer a premium version of the FaceApp app. In the second type of scam, YouTube videos are used that promote links to download a 'Pro' version. One of these fake YouTube videos had over 150.000 views at the time of writing.
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, some of its features designated as “PRO” are available only for a fee. The FaceApp application and its filters have gone "viral", just as much publicity, however, has also raised the issue of protecting private privacy 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, 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, the only one mode of which is to get users to install various other applications. By clicking on 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.
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.).
They also act as a safety valve security apps, as well as in case the user falls victim to 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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