A night vision camera application on Google Play parses phone numbers from Whatsapp and signs you up for a messaging service--without you knowing.
According to a PC World report, Avast Security had recently determined that the Android application Cámara Visión Nocturn, still available for download, signs you up for an expensive SMS service at the cost of $ 2.8. But what is worse is that it will send messages from your device amounting to $50 every month and continue the process monthly--without your consent.
"According to AVAST, the app requests a variety of permissions for functions that are suspicious for a camera app. AVAST engineers determined that it attempts to retrieve phone numbers from apps like WhatsApp or ChatOn and subscribe them to a premium messaging service," the PC World report said.
Android Pit reported that a similar scam had hit WhatsApp a few weeks ago. The camera application's description raises eyebrows about its shady nature as it seeks to tempt users.
"Want to make the most original photos when out at night without having to use the flash? Or you love to take pictures of your neighbour while changing? As the night vision camera will be your favorite app! Finally you can take photos at night without anyone noticing," reads the description, according to PC World.
"Experts normally recommend users download apps strictly from the Google Play store, as the apps sold there go through security inspections as opposed to non-official stores. Despite this, users should not trust all apps sold in the Google Play store," Avast was quoted as saying by Hot Hardware.
Avast has reportedly stated that its mobile security applications will detect the threat as its definitions have been upgraded. Any attempts of the kind will be shown as Android: Fake Cam, Android Pit said.
