7 apps you should not download on your Android phone to avoid money-stealing scams

Gadgets Now Bureau08 Jan, 2021, 09:16AM IST

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Customer care scams have become a major problem for internet users in India. In most cases, people search for the customer care number of a particular company on Google and then dials it to get support. The problem is that some customer care numbers that appear in Google search results are fake and operated by scamsters. These scammers force people to download remote desktop apps on their Android phones and steal money from their bank accounts. With very little knowledge about how remote desktop apps work on Android phones, the victims end up sharing their entire mobile screen to an unknown scammer, who secretly records the screen of victim’s phones to harvest bank or UPI login details along with OTPs.

Note that remote desktop apps are not malware and are in fact, very helpful if someone who knows how to use them to monitor devices remotely. Lack of digital knowledge among citizens is what makes these useful apps fraudsters’ tools. Also, note that an authentic customer care support team will never tell you to download any app to help you with a product issue. To avoid frauds, don’t download any remote desktop apps, particularly these seven popular ones.

TeamViewer QuickSupport

TeamViewer QuickSupport is a very common app that is used by IT managers to control phones, PCs remotely. While it is a very helpful tool, if you don’t know how TeamViewer QuickSupport works, don’t download it. It is one of the most common apps used by scammers to steal bank login details and OTPs.

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Microsoft Remote desktop

Microsoft Remote Desktop app allows users to connect to a remote PC or virtual apps and it is a very helpful app and works similar to TeamViewer QuickSupport. However, it could be a very effective tool for scammers, if the victim has no clue about how remote desktop apps work.

AnyDesk Remote Control

AnyDesk Remote Control is one of the most preferred tools for business users to manage remote desktops. But it is also the most common app that scammers force their victims to download. Stay away from AnyDesk at all costs if you don’t understand the app.

AirDroid: Remote access and File

This is another remote access app for Android phones which you should stay away if you don’t know how it works.

AirMirror: Remote support and Remote control devices

Another popular app that lets you access your phone from a PC anywhere. Don’t download this app if someone tells you to, unless and until you are sure about how it works.

Chrome Remote Desktop

This is a remote desktop app from Google, while being very helpful, in the wrong hands could cause people to lose their OTPs and money.

Splashtop Personal- Remote Desktop

This is another remote desktop app that you need to know about if you don’t want to get scammed.