Beware of FakeCall, a new malware that mimics calls from your bank to steal your passwords and money
The evolution of Android Trojans has become so sophisticated that they are now capable of simulating banking calls and tricking users. Among all these malware, there is one that stands out from the rest, and that is FakeCall. This threat to users has made headlines once again.
Over the past few days, it has been discovered that FakeCall has expanded to the point of having 13 new types of malware. For some context, FakeCall rose to fame in 2022 by threatening users’ bank accounts. All the while, it has been evolving and perfecting its phishing techniques.
Now, FakeCall is capable of intercepting calls and simulating communications with banking entities. What is the end result of this? Emptying the bank accounts of all those who fall for the scam. Yes, the purpose is tragic and affected users can lose their life savings almost instantly.
Of course, the real problem with this whole situation is that FakeCall works so well that users cannot tell whether a call is made by their bank or by scammers. What can be done about it? Let’s see how to avoid falling victim to FakeCall.
- FakeCall poses a threat to users as it threatens their bank accounts.
Understanding how FakeCall works internally is a priority to avoid falling victim to the malware. Information obtained about this new version shows that FakeCall is implemented as a call controller, replacing the system owner and, therefore, taking control of both incoming and outgoing calls.
Logically, FakeCall does not automatically appear on devices. In order for a phone to be infected with this malware, it is necessary to install an application that arrives on the device in the form of an APK file. Who installs it? It is the user himself who decides to grant this application access to the system, but this is because he is a victim of phishing .
Users are tricked and manipulated into downloading and then installing the app. It is this app that infects the system with FakeCall, giving attackers full access to the system and thus the ability to replicate calls from banking entities without any shame.
What can you do to avoid falling victim to FakeCall? Most importantly, do not download any application from an untrusted source. This is vital to avoid falling victim to this malware, as mistrust is the first barrier against any type of infection on a mobile device.