Smartphone users warned of sophisticated Android and Apple scams

Security experts are warning smartphone users about increasingly sophisticated fraudulent methods targeting both Android and Apple devices.

On Android, cybercriminals are using seemingly legitimate apps to distribute malware. Analysts from Zscaler have identified that document readers, file managers, battery optimizers, and simple games can be used to deliver malicious code, such as the Anatsa malware, which targets banking and cryptocurrency credentials. These apps may request accessibility permissions to display fake login windows that mimic official banking interfaces. Signs of infection include rapid battery drain, unexpected device heating, or unusual advertisements.

Apple users are being cautioned against a specific social engineering scam involving FaceTime. Fraudsters impersonating bank officials may contact victims via SMS or phone calls, claiming suspicious activity on an account. The scammers then pressure the victim to move the conversation to FaceTime and enable screen sharing. This allows the criminal to monitor the user's actions in real-time, potentially capturing sensitive information, security codes, and online banking credentials as they are entered. Apple emphasizes that the company will never ask customers to provide passwords or one-time codes.