Millions of Android users urged to check phone immediately as Google bans popular apps

The first Android alert is out warning users about 12 apps that Google has deleted from its Play Store due to tricking users into so-called phishing attacks, Express reports.

Phishing attacks

Phishing attacks are the attempts of fraudsters via apps and other digital tools to steal private data, including login credentials, personal information, and credit card details from users.

According to Techiazi, the removed apps include:

Lucky Step – Walking Tracker, WalkingJoy, Lucky Habit: health tracker, Golden Hunt, Reflector, Seven Golden, Wolf blackjack, Unlimited Score, Big Decisions, Jewel Sea, Lux Fruits Game, Lucky Clover, King Blitz, Lucky Hammer.

Android users who have downloaded these apps have been advised to delete them from their phones as soon as today.

Be extra careful while downloading new apps

The malicious issueshave been identified by the cyber security team at Dr. Web.

The list of removed apps includes some popular ones which have been downloaded more than 5 million times and promised users to reward them with physical activity such as walking and exercise.

In turn, the more a user exercised the more one could win points. However, when users tried to cash out they were presented with never-ending adverts and nothing in return.

The detection service of malware by Dr. Web found that since December 2022 that there is an increase in viruses on Android content so users are advised to be extra careful when downloading any new apps.

Sources used:

-Express: ‘Google bans 12 popular Android apps! Millions warned to delete them now’

-Techiazi: ‘Google bans 12 popular Android apps! Millions must delete them now’