Users pay for apps to spy on cell phones, but end up being victims of scams

The researchers detected charges ranging from 5 euros at the lowest level to annual subscriptions of 80 dollars. The charges were made through official Google Play subscriptions, third-party payment platforms, and even integrated forms to directly enter credit cards.

The last two modalities leave victims in a vulnerable position, since in these cases Google cannot manage refunds.

“Users who subscribed through the official Google Play billing system may be eligible for refunds in accordance with Google’s refund policies. Purchases made through third-party payment apps or through direct card data entry cannot be refunded by Google, leaving users dependent on third-party payment providers or app developers.”, highlighted the ESET research team.

What to do if you downloaded any of these apps

The company recommends acting immediately if you installed such tools:

1. Cancel subscription:

Go to: Play Store → Profile → Payments and subscriptions → Subscriptions

If any subscription is still active, cancel it manually.

2. Request a refund

If the payment was made through Google Play, it is possible to request a refund through official Google support.

3. Contact the bank

If the card was entered directly within the application, it is recommended to immediately contact the bank to block the payment method and ignore suspicious charges.

“It is impossible for a legitimate app to obtain private data from another number without consent and physical access to the device; Any promise to the contrary is, by definition, a scam.”, the researchers conclude.