The Dominion Group – Fraud Android Services: Threat To Smartphone Users

By Author: Loey Park
Total Articles: 5
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Avoiding fraud websites and apps are easier said than done. A lot of phishing websites and malware that act as mobile apps are lurking on the web for their next target.

The ever-changing technology of mobile handsets has affected the significant growth of mobile usage. Nowadays, the rate of mobile users already surpassed the number of desktop users all over the world. The functionality and mobility of smartphones are the common reasons why people prefer using their mobile handsets. However, cybercriminals do not only work on websites. They can now also invade mobile phones and devices with the use of malware and fraud mobile apps.

Fraudulent apps
In Japan, there are 6 men arrested due to the distribution of fraudulent Android app which they made available on Android app store. The app steals the user information and extorts the money of the users. The incident was Japan’s first police case that involved the distribution of mobile malware.

Some people that were victimised by the Japanese men filed a complaint about their illegal operation. They were arrested for distributing an app compatible with ...
... Android devices.

The users become involved in the scam if they agree to sign up for the app. Before the app can be used, it requires filling out some personal information during registration. The cybercriminals commit an act of identity theft by getting the user’s information. They swindle money from the users by pressuring them to pay a certain amount.

The virus-infected application does the job by getting money from the app users. The fraudulent transactions acquired by the cybercriminals from smartphone users amounted to 21 million yen (265,062 US dollars).

The app targeted the users of Android-powered devices. Many people were able to download it when they saw the promotional ad posted on an adult website. They were able to download it without any upfront fees. A total of 9,252 users downloaded the app.

Scam in the form of mobile apps
Most scam acts as functional products or services that a lot of people may need. People may also be easy to fool when it comes to awards. The app offered by cybercriminals take advantage of the usability of mobile devices.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department review the reports of the victims. According to the complainants, the app opens up once it is successfully downloaded. It shows a screen that demands 99,800 yen every five minutes. The app gathers the personal details of the users such as their phone numbers and e-mail address which they can use for coercion.

Because the app developers obtained their personal information, it is then displayed on the screen together with the demand for payment. The criminals will get in touch with the users to demand the amount needed to be paid.

The senior police who investigated the case revealed that 211 users lost their money from the app. The users were forced to pay about 21 million yen. The acquired money came from made-up fees set up by people who created the app.

According to McAfee, the Android operating system is the most targeted mobile platform. May this serve as a warning not only to those with Android handsets but to all smartphone users. Be vigilant in downloading and using unfamiliar applications. Stay alert and keep away from mobile services that might lead you to financial distress.