These fake apps look like legal tools; there were apps like photo editors, camera filters, games, and QR Code scanners. It asked the victims to sign up for the SMS services, which are very expensive.
UltimaSMS: Premium SMS Scam on the Google Play Store
A cybersecurity software company Avast has reported about the scam campaign UltimaSMS. Once you download the UltimaSMS app, it checks your phone’s location, IMEI number to figure out the country area code and language to use for a scam. When you open the app, it will ask you to enter your phone number or email address. When you submit the details, it will sign up for a premium SMS service of around $40 per month. It will show more subscription options, or the app might stop working. And every week, you will be charged by the scam service. This is how you will lose your money in this scam. All these malicious Android apps have been downloaded more than 10.5 million times. However, Google has now banned all the apps that were a part of this campaign. Here is the list of apps that were removed from the Play Store.
List of the Apps Removed from Play Store
Ultima Keyboard 3D Pro VideoMixer Editor Pro FX Animate Editor Pro Battery Animation Charge 2021 Dynamic HD & 4K Wallpapers RGB Neon HD Keyboard Background AppLock X FREE NewVision Camera Ultra Camera HD Wi-Fi Password Unlock Wi-Fi Around: All Wi-Fi and Hotspots Unlock Colorful Call Screen & Phone Flash Waterdrinker Reminder GT Sports Racing Online Magic Fonts and Keyboard 2021 All Language Photo and Voice Translator Al Crime City: Revenge Reface Ultra Projector HD/AR Video Editor LivePhoto Animator Ludo Masterpiece Online Mobile Scanner Pro: PDF Scanner App, Scan to PDF Magic Mix Cut – Super Video Editor Future Scanner FREE 2021 Pro Video Downloader 2021 AmazeTranslate Football Masters 2021 New Body Shape Editor Call Voice Recording 2.0 Pro Tuber Ad Blocker for Video Fitness Ultimate 2021 Wallpaper XYZ Pro
You can check out the full list of 150 malicious apps here.
