If You’re Thinking Of Downloading FaceApp Read This 👇👇

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The latest hype around the application has attracted scammers, who are using it to make a quick buck.

FaceApp has exploded all over social media, with people sharing photos of themselves that has been digitally changed to make them look decades older. By now you’ve probably had your face aged or, if you haven’t, someone you know has no doubt shared their pics from the hugely popular FaceApp.

While these pictures are a lot of fun, there is a downside. Concerns have been raised over privacy when using the app, most of which were allayed shortly thereafter. But, there’s more bad news….

FaceApp scam

Research done by IT security company ESET found that criminals are using the hype around the app to scam people into buying a fake ‘Pro’ version. This is done through a fake website claiming to offer a premium version of FaceApp, while there are also fraudulent YouTube videos promoting download links for a fake version.

The legitimate FaceApp, free on both Android and iOS, offers various face-modifying filters, but some features, marked ‘PRO’, have to be paid for. In one scam involving a fake website claiming to offer a premium version of the app, scammers trick users into clicking through countless offers to install other paid-for apps and subscriptions, ads, surveys and more. The YouTube videos work in a similar manner, getting people to install additional apps, which in some cases turn out to be malware.

‘There were well over 200 000 stories online about the fake and fictitious FaceApp Pro. Only one of the YouTube videos we found had more than 150 000 views. However, its malicious links were clicked more than 90 000 times,’ says ESET researcher Lukáš Štefanko. ‘Legitimate businesses don’t even dream of such high click-through rates as these cybercriminals have been able to achieve,’ he adds.

Stay safe

Before joining the hype, remember to stick with basic security principles. Regardless of how exciting the offer seems, avoid downloading apps from sources other than official app stores, and examine available information about the app (developer, rating and reviews). As insurance, have a reputable security app installed on your mobile device.