2 Apps were forwarding texts to developer server gained over 100k downloads

December 01, 2022 By Prelo Con

(Image Credit Google)

Google has excluded two apps, one of which had over 100,000 downloads, upon receiving information that they were involved in an illegal scheme. The apps secretly forwarded text messages used to create bogus accounts on third-party websites. Symoo, the first app, billed itself as a convenient SMS messenger. Also Read: 5 apps made to be deleted from your Android phone to save your bank The developer will use the phone number to create false accounts on websites that require SMS verification. Aside from sending texts related to the fake account setup, Symoo forwarded any texts received by the infected phone from other parties. Many users would most likely force-quit and uninstall the app.

This deleted application was created by the same developer as the ActivationPW application (still on the Play Store) that contains the activation[dot]pw website that allows you to buy the accounts with infected phones pic.twitter.com/iUP5Vtv9e0
— Maxime Ingrao (@IngraoMaxime) November 28, 2022

Symoo permitted people to set up fake accounts by using handsets infected with goomy[.]fun malware. The Symoo app's developer had connections to the person behind another app called activation.PW, which allows users to purchase accounts using compromised phones. People who want to create accounts for bots or fraud frequently use services like ActivationPW. Many websites require people who sign up for an account to have a phone number that accepts SMS text messages. All text messages received while the apps were accessible were routed to a server engaged in illegal activity.

By Prelo Con

Following my passion by reviewing latest tech. Just love it.

2 Apps were forwarding texts to developer server gained over 100k downloads

Walmart's GenAI Search Engine: Challenging Google's Dominance in Retail Search

Introducing the MSI Claw Handheld: Your Ultimate Gaming Companion

Uber Increases In-App Ads, Prompting Mixed Reactions from Customers

Apple's iOS 18: A Leap into the AI Era

Google's Regular Pixel 8 Won't Get Gemini Nano AI

MacBook Air M3 Makes Amends for M2's Storage Blunder

Samsung Unveils the Galaxy M15 5G

Elon Musk's xAI to Open-Source Chatbot Grok

Contra: Operation Galuga - A Modern Run-and-Gun Classic

Musk Confirms X's TV App Arrives This Week

Tech Titan Elon Musk Unveils XMail, Challenging Gmail's Dominance

WhatsApp Stories Get a Makeover: Easier to Catch Up with Friends' Updates!

Cash App Heats Savings Game with 4.5% APY, But Watch the Catches!

Shazam Gets Mind-Reading Headphones?

Artisse AI raises $6.7 million for its 'more realistic' AI photography app.

How to search the web with ChatGPT?