Uninstall immediately: These 150 Android apps lure you into a subscription trap

• More than 150 apps were part of a scam campaign, according to Avast.
• Until recently, the applications were still available for download from the Google Play Store.
• They lured those affected into a subscription trap.

The provider for security software Avast has in the Play Store of Google discovered a downright fraud campaign. More than 150 apps were part of Avast’s “UltimateSMS” campaign.

The applications disguised themselves as customizable keyboards, QR code scanners, video and photo editors, spam call blockers or camera filters and were even advertised on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

Premium SMS subscription instead of functions

Like Avast in one Press release reported, the advertised function should be activated by entering the telephone number and e-mail. However, this resulted in a premium SMS subscription that cost those affected up to $ 40 per month.

The applications were downloaded particularly frequently in the Middle East, the United States, and Poland. In Germany, on the other hand, there were only 29,000 downloads. Nevertheless, you should check whether you have installed one of the fraudulent apps and uninstall them immediately. Google has removed the application from the Play Store, but those who have previously downloaded it will have to uninstall it manually.

These apps were part of the scam:

This is how you protect yourselves

You should Deactivate the premium SMS option with your mobile operatorso as not to fall victim to such a scam. You should also look carefully at the reviews. It is also advisable to pay attention to the small print.

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