Beware of fake apps

MUSCAT: Beware of seemingly innocuous emails and messages to share the screen or to download mobile application for new services or entertainment or promises of quick money. The aim of these scamsters is either to steal your personal information to get into your bank account or directly steal money, warn experts. These tricks have an added sophistication with the emergence of artificial intelligence.

Unauthorised online games and mobile applications prey on the gullible public’s aspirations, ultimately depriving them of their hard-earned money.

These platforms, often operating without any regulatory approval, present themselves as harmless games or “reward-based” apps. They entice users with promises of quick returns, virtual rewards, or cash prizes. In reality, their core objective is not to provide entertainment or genuine services but to orchestrate financial scams on a mass scale.

Some tricksters pose as company representative and asks you to download an app or allow a remote access or screen-sharing application. As you download the app and start using it, the fraudster gets full control and access to your information.

“Always remember that the banker would never ask you to download any third-party remote access or screen sharing application and nor should you respond to any call or SMS or e-mail asking you to download any app in order to assist you online or to update documents,” warns an official with a leading bank.

“This screen sharing fraud is one of the newer tricks scammers are using to steal personal and financial information. What they do is that they usually convince people to download third-party apps that give them full control over the phone, tablet and/or your laptop/desktop, letting them access sensitive data and even banking accounts,” said Tariq al Barwani, Knowledge Oman Founder and ICT Expert.

He shared a simple precaution. “Never share your screen or give remote access to anyone, especially if they claim to be from the bank. Only download apps from official app stores; and always be cautious if someone pressures you to act quickly. Banks will never ask for your PIN, passwords, or OTP, so if you get a suspicious request, hang up and contact your bank directly through official channels. Staying alert and a little sceptical can save you from big losses,” Al Barwani adds.

Never share one’s credit card details like expiry date, CVV, OTP, PIN with anyone. One should contact the bank to verify the message or calls and alert the bank in case of suspicion.

If an app or game asks for money with the promise of high returns, it is almost certainly a scam. Never download by clicking links or through scanning QR codes. The digital world harbours predators waiting to exploit trust and ignorance. Stay vigilant to escape from digital theft.