Google Removes Nearly 200 Fraudulent Apps From Play Store

Google has removed nearly 200 Android apps from the Play Store that were suspected of being fraudulent and inflating ad views. As Forbes reports , these apps were disguised as popular utilities, such as QR code scanners or workout timers, but instead of the advertised features, users were faced with an endless stream of ads.

The “attack” itself involved taking over the screen and displaying full-screen ads in such a way that the user could not close the app or return to the home screen, “effectively taking over the device’s screen and rendering it virtually inoperable.” To artificially boost ratings and visibility, the attackers likely used forced-installation schemes for apps on devices. This tactic not only increased downloads, but also raised the app’s ratings, which ultimately attracted the attention of regular users who downloaded them.

Fraudulent applications were designed for inattentive users who downloaded them without checking their authenticity. Once launched, such programs began to display ads, which brought in income for the attackers.

Google not only removed the apps from the store, but also blocked them via the Play Protect system on users' devices. However, before the cleanup began, the fraudulent programs had already been downloaded more than 50 million times.

While ad fraud doesn't get as much attention as phishing or malware, it's widespread and can negatively impact your phone and apps. It can also net criminals millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains, often used to fund more dangerous crimes.