Categories: Mobile AppsMobility

Fake Google Play Minecraft Apps Flood Users With Scams And Ads

A slew of fake Minecraft mods have been discovered on the Google Play Store that, when downloaded, expose users to scams and aggressive ads.

According to ESET Security, there were 87 apps in total which reached a combined total of 990,000 downloads before they were reported last week.

ESET divides them into two categories: the ad-displaying downloader identified as Android/TrojanDownloader.Agent.JL and fake apps redirecting users to scam websites, detected as Android/FakeApp.FG.

Fake apps

The ad-displaying category contained 14 apps disguised as Minecraft mods, all of which have no real functionality and use an additional component that has to be manually downloaded to display out-of-app advertisements.

“When launched, the apps immediately request device administrator rights,” ESET explains. “Once device administrator is activated, a screen with an ‘INSTALL MOD’ button is displayed. Simultaneously, a push notification informs the user that a “special Block Launcher” is needed in order to proceed with the installation.

“After clicking the “INSTALL MOD” button, the user is prompted to install the additional module ‘Block Launcher Pro’. Installing the module brings the user to a dead end – a static Minecraft-themed screen with no clickable elements. The only actual function of the app and its module is to display ads – which now show up on the user’s device, interrupting their activity.”

In comparison, the apps that redirect to scam websites use what ESET describes as “an old trick” whereby a download button is displayed that simply takes the user to an external website in the browser,

Here, the website displays all manner of obtrusive content, such as ads, surveys, free coupon offers, jackpot wins and pornography, along with fake updates and fake virus warnings attempting to scare the user.

“To prevent being tricked by fake apps and malware, opt for official app markets,” ESET advises. “Even then, exercise extra caution when downloading third-party apps offering additional functions to existing applications, as there may be a “catch” in these attractive-sounding offers.”

What do you know about the mobile app revolution? Try our quiz!

Sam Pudwell

Sam Pudwell joined Silicon UK as a reporter in December 2016. As well as being the resident Cloud aficionado, he covers areas such as cyber security, government IT and sports technology, with the aim of going to as many events as possible.

Recent Posts

Elon Musk’s X Suffers Multiple Outages

Nation-state cyberattack? Elon Musk blames outages on Monday at X (formerly Twitter) on “massive cyberattack”

12 hours ago

Apple Confirms AI Improvements to Siri Delayed To 2026

More time required for Apple to improved the AI capabilities of the Siri voice assistant,…

13 hours ago

Siemens Confirms $285m Manufacturing Investment In US

German conglomerate Siemens confirms $285 million investment for manufacturing facilities in Texas and California

14 hours ago

IBM Wins Lawsuit Against LzLabs Over Mainframe Patents

Court ruling. Big Blue lawsuit filed in London had alleged IP theft of mainframe technology…

16 hours ago

Trump Says US Talking With Four Groups Over TikTok Sale

But what about Beijing? Donald Trump says administration in talks with four different groups about…

19 hours ago