Scam Apps: How to Spot and Avoid Them

Did you know that one of the top scams are scam apps? Scam apps are especially dangerous because of how they can control your device and steal your money!

How do scam apps get onto your devices?

Scammers will first trick you into chatting with them (via online ads for cleaning services and promotions or via dating app chats). Then, they will send you an .apk file or link to install an unverified app.

Once you download the app, the scammer will be minutes away from hacking your device.

Safety tip: Don’t ever tap on files or links sent through chats.

What can scam apps actually do?

• Control your device, access your apps and make/approve transfers
• Lead you to fake payment pages that sends your bank username and password directly to the scammer
• Steal your SMSes which contain your TAC/OTP number

How do you avoid scam apps?

• NEVER download apps via chat or links (.apk file)
• NEVER ALLOW permission for apps to view/control/access your device
• NEVER jailbreak/root your devices

Suspect you’ve been scammed? Here’s what you should do.

Immediately call the Alliance Bank Scam Reporting Hotline at 03-5516 9800 or the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) at 997, and make a police report.

Stay safe and stay tuned to the hashtag #JanganKenaScam on social media for more scam alerts and online safety tips!