Android users warned to delete almost 200 apps that could be stealing money

Multiple apps have been removed from the Google Play Store following reports that Android users had money stolen.

Apps can hide dangerous malware that can steal information and sign users up to subscriptions they never agreed to.

It is essential you check through your phone now before any information or money is taken.

There are nearly 200 apps that have been linked to the malware, though it is important to check all downloads before agreeing to them.

Cybersecurity company Kaspersky has issued the warning, helping lead to some apps being removed from the Play Store entirely.

Here is everything you need to know about the dangerous apps.

Malware is software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage or gain information from users.

It can gain access to users phones through various apps, with Android users specifically vulnerable.

This new malware is known as Harly, due to its similarities to a previous malware known as Joker.

Harly can verify subscriptions through users phones and has signed them up to expensive contracts as a result.

Kaspersky said: "Since 2020 more than 190 apps infected with Harly have been found on Google Play.

“A conservative estimate of the number of downloads of these apps is 4.8 million, but the actual figure may be even higher.

"Just like the Jocker Trojans, Trojans in the Harly family imitate legitimate apps. So how does it work?

“The scammers download ordinary apps from Google Play, insert malicious code into them, then upload them to Google Play under a different name.

“The apps may still have the features that are listed in the description, so the users may not even suspect a threat."

The following apps have all been removed from the Play Store.

However, Android users should make sure they are deleted from their phone, as they can be infected with the Harly malware.

Around 190 apps have been detected since 2020, and they include:

Before downloading any apps, make sure they are reviewed highly by other users.

Also check the user reviews for any reports of scams and check if the developers are a reputable company.

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