Fakecalls is a financial malware that targets Android users, hijacking their calls to a bank’s customer service number and connecting them directly with hackers.
About Fakecalls scam
The spyware, according to Kaspersky, masquerades as a mobile app from well-known banks (such as KakaoBank or Kookmin Bank).
When a victim attempts to contact bank customer service, the trojan disconnects the call and displays its own call screen, which looks almost identical to the actual one.
Scammers pose as customer service professionals in order to collect information that will allow them to access the victim’s finances.
Calling techniques
The virus can play a pre-recorded greeting that sounds like the ones banks use to welcome people seeking help.
The virus creators have recorded a few sentences that are routinely used by banks to inform customers that an operator will take their call as soon as one becomes available.
Furthermore, the virus can mimic incoming calls, allowing the hackers to deceive unsuspecting victims by communicating with them as if they were the bank’s customer support department.
Spying on victims
Threat actors can spy on the smartphone by broadcasting audio/video in real time, seeing its location, and copying files (contacts, images, movies) and text message history once it has been infected.
Despite the fact that the Fakecalls virus was discovered last year, it attracted little attention due to its narrow geographic focus. The use of false call features, on the other hand, is a relatively new aspect in the evolution of mobile banking malware.
Conclusion
Fakecalls pioneered a brand-new method for hijacking customer service calls. Experts advise only downloading apps from official shops and paying attention to the permissions that an app requests. Install dependable anti-malware apps for mobile devices as well.
Source: https://cyware.com/news/fakecalls-an-unusual-twist-to-banking-customer-support-frauds-5e9ed827
