A worrying bug is back and becoming its next victim could leave your bank account drained of all its cash. The latest threat, which has been spotted by the security team at Ziperium, is using the so-called "FakeCall" bug to attack unsuspecting Android users. This vicious malware was actually first spotted all the at back in 2022 but it's now seen a shock resurgence and is more troublesome than ever.
Once installed, the latest version of FakeCall can set about redirecting phone calls with users being put through to scammers when they think they are simply ringing their bank. Zimperium has confirmed that it works by taking over Android's call handler setting which then allows cyber crooks to manipulate both incoming and outgoing calls. What makes this threat so serious is that it works even if the correct number has been punched in on the keypad.
Once the call is made, FakeCall simply redirects the victim to unofficial call centres where money can then be stolen and bank accounts raided. Explaining more about the attack, Zimperium said: "When the compromised individual attempts to contact their financial institution, the malware redirects the call to a fraudulent number controlled by the attacker. "The malicious app will deceive the user, displaying a convincing fake UI that appears to be the legitimate Android's call interface showing the real bank's phone number.
" "The victim will be unaware of the manipulation, as the malware's fake UI will mimic the actual banking experienc.