LATEST NEWS:

If you have this app, delete it now.

If you have this app, delete it now.

Experts advise that applications be downloaded exclusively from official stores to avoid such a scenario.

A fake app, called "Telegram Premium," which doesn't actually exist, has become a tool for hackers who, once the app is downloaded, can read everything on your screen, including text messages and bank card details.

This malicious app uses malware known as FireScam to infect users. Although it is advertised as an improved version of the popular Telegram app, which is similar to WhatsApp and Signal, “Telegram Premium” is actually a clone that has no connection to the original app.


Cybersecurity researchers from Cyfirm discovered this app on phishing sites imitating RuStore, the Russian version of the Google Play Store. The good news is that the app is not available in official stores like Google Play, but Android device owners who tend to download apps from unofficial sources are at serious risk, writes the Sun.

Once Telegram Premium is installed, the app requests extensive permissions, including monitoring device notifications, SMS messages, and phone calls. Victims are asked to enter their Telegram login information, which gives hackers access to their account. After gaining control of the Telegram account, the hackers transfer the stolen data to special databases. In addition, the malware tracks online transactions on the device, which allows hackers to steal financial data.

Hackers can monitor and copy everything a user types, including passwords. In addition, malware has the ability to intercept auto-filled data, such as passwords from password managers. Experts advise downloading applications exclusively from official stores to avoid such a scenario. It is also necessary to carefully check the authenticity of applications, especially those that promise “premium” features that the original applications do not provide. /Telegraph/