The Indian Government recently banned 59 Chinese apps due to security reasons. Among those apps, TikTok has been the most controversial apps. Ever since the ban came in force, many Indian alternatives to TikTok took this opportunity to expand their apps across India.
Scammers have also made the most of the void by creating fake TikTok-like apps. Recently, the Maharashtra Cyber unit warned citizens against the ‘TikTok scam’ occurring under the new malware app named ‘TikTok Pro’.
As per many reports, scammers are using SMS and phishing attacks to attract users into downloading an app called TikTok Pro
The release from Maharashtra Cyber unit read, “Citizens are requested to be aware of the new TikTok scam happening under the name of a malware app ‘TikTok Pro’. The Government of India has banned TikTok along with 58 other popular mobile apps for engaging in activities prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order. Miscreants are now taking advantage of the popularity of TikTok by promoting a malware under its name and are calling this new app TikTok Pro, claiming it to be an alternative to the banned TikTok app”.
Citizens are requested to be aware of the new TikTok scam happening under the name of a malware app ‘TikTok Pro’@DGPMaharashtra @CyberDost #CyberSafety #CyberSecurity pic.twitter.com/KqWk70KhbV
— Maharashtra Cyber (@MahaCyber1) July 8, 2020
SMS messages inviting users to download an app called TikTok Pro started circulating in the country. TikTok owner ByteDance said it has nothing to do with it. The fake app bombards its users with ads and links to download other apps and requests access to users’ photos, files, contacts, location, messages, and more, potentially revealing private data and exposing users to malware and spyware.
Dear sir @hydcitypolice @CYBTRAFFIC @cpcybd
Some of my friends got some notifications from online about tiktok pro app, in that there is an URL link once we click on that URL that message has been automatically forwarded to all of our phone contact. Kindly find the attachments. pic.twitter.com/nsrNh9tuOs— Purushotham gowd (@GowdPurushotham) July 4, 2020
Moreover, in March, the Digital Forensic Research Lab found more than 50 apps on Google Play offer likes, followers or shares for TikTok users who want to boost their identity on the platform. Many of them were scams that promised engagement services in return for watching ads and handing over personal data.
