Android WhatsApp users on Android have called to be on the lookout for new SCAM

Android users are being targeted by a piece of malicious software that is misleading users into downloading a fake app that is also targeting friends via WhatsApp devices.

The so-called ‘worm’ can infect a person’s phone only if they themselves receive the message and click on the link.

It then requires the user to enable a variety of features and permissions. It activates a hidden capability, which means that when the phone receives a WhatsApp message, it will respond immediately with a link to the dodgy website.

The scam scam is to bombard people with ads, which generate revenue for criminals, or to trick people into signing up for an enrollment service.

However, the technology can also be easily adapted to become sinister and steal personal information as well as banking details, experts warn.

The message that is sent automatically is not only sent out once an hour to prevent it from looking like blatant spam and reads ‘Download this application and win mobile’.

The attached URL looks like a Google link to mislead the recipient, but it’s another joke.

If someone does click on the link, a website is revealed that is a convincing clone of the Google Play Store, but is in fact a fool that is by no means legal.

It asks the person to download an app called ‘Huawei Mobile’. This is not a real Huawei app and is actually made by the scammers.

A WhatsApp spokesman told MailOnline: ‘This is a malicious app that misleads people into downloading and sending phishing messages through permissions granted by the Android operating system.

‘We report this to the domain provider using the phishing service to act and protect against this abuse.

‘We strongly encourage people to never install programs from unreliable sources and to never tap on unusual or suspicious links.

“We also encourage people to report messages as soon as possible so we can take action.”

Lukas Stefanko, a researcher at the cyber security firm ESET, discovered the error and posted a video showing how it works on YouTube.

Ray Walsh, a technology expert at ProPrivacy, says the scam has the potential to steal personal information and personal information and credentials.

“It turns out that the main purpose of the malware is to mislead victims into falling for an adware scam, leading to the victim being deceived,” he says.

‘This is the first attack on worms spreading via WhatsApp messages, and as far as that is concerned, it can actually be extended to work with other messengers who also use Android’s quick reply feature.

“Users are reminded that they should not download any apps unless they found them in the official app store, and to remember that they should never download apps after clicking on a WhatsApp message on links.”

Jake Moore, a cyber security specialist at ESET, encourages people to be careful and vigilant when submitting links on any platform that they do not recognize or look unusual.

‘People need to be extremely careful when they receive a link, but especially if the link is to an app store.

‘Although it only works on specific phones, this malware can steal the bank passwords or completely encrypt the phone, which can cause further damage.

‘Using WhatsApp to drive this malware is beneficial because many people use the messaging platform and will believe it’s genuine when they first see the message.

“The message of their contacts only enhances the perceived verification of someone they trust.”