Fake VPN and Spam Blocker Apps Tied to VexTrio Used in Ad Fraud, Subscription Scams
What’s new: A report by Infoblox reveals that the malicious ad tech group VexTrio has developed fake VPN and spam blocker apps available on Apple and Google app stores. These apps, which include names like Spam Shield, trick users into signing up for costly subscriptions and harvest personal information. VexTrio has been active since at least 2015, operating a network that facilitates ad fraud and subscription scams.
Who’s affected
Users who download these malicious apps may face unexpected charges and difficulties in canceling subscriptions. The apps have been downloaded millions of times, impacting a wide range of users across different platforms.
What to do
- Review app permissions and subscriptions regularly to identify any unauthorized charges.
- Educate users about the risks of downloading apps from unofficial sources or those with poor reviews.
- Implement monitoring tools to detect unusual billing patterns or app behavior.