In Russia, fraudsters have begun to introduce themselves into their schemes of deception under the guise of parental control applications. This was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The deception scheme looks like this: the victim receives a call from a person posing as a bank security officer. The fraudster claims that the child's phone has allegedly been hacked through a messenger and offers to download a "special protection application." After installation, the application does not protect the device, but on the contrary, gives the attackers complete control over it.
Fake software allows fraudsters to block applications with a password, conduct remote audio and video broadcasts from the microphone and cameras, read messages from messengers and SMS, and track the location of the device in real time. The application icon is hidden, and it is impossible to remove it without a special code that only attackers have. In some cases, control over the device can only be restored in a service center.
Experts advise not to install applications from links from dubious calls and messages, check official sources and use only proven software to control devices. Awareness and caution help protect personal data and financial security.