'Minecraft' Scam: Trojan Malware Disguised as Mods, Fake Apps Pushing ads, Taking Money

By Jacques Strauss, | March 24, 2017

 Minecraft police and the police station is on display.

Minecraft police and the police station is on display.

"Minecraft" continues to be an attractive game despite various competitions. A testament to its popularity, are the scams involving Trojan malware and scareware that may be easily downloaded via Google Play Store.

"Minecraft" mods have been one of the many culprits of malware and scareware that deceived almost a million of gamers worldwide. Downloaded through Google Play Store, 87 fake mods managed to infiltrate Play Store security, posing as legitimate and harmless apps.

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The information about the deception came from ESET researchers, noting that 990,000 installs have already been processed with the fake mods. The fake apps may be categorized into two according to Yahoo Finance. Basing on ESET report, the mods could be classified as an "Android/TrojanDownloader.Agent.JL" or an "Android/FakeApp.FG." The former acts as ad-displaying downloaders, while the latter redirect users to scam websites.

In one of the mechanisms of the fake apps, it has been observed that users are brought to scam websites. Once the fake app has been launched, it will display download button. Unknowing users would then be surprised to be redirected to a certain website without the mods being downloaded.

During a test done by experts, the website redirection functions as a means of pushing ads and other contents. These contents would normally range from through surveys, free coupon, and other malicious and unwanted content, according to We Live Security.

This would not be the first time that "Minecraft" and supposed mods have been infiltrated. Other fake apps previously surfaced bringing scareware in it. The malicious applications were disguised as cheats, but such functionality will not materialize. Instead, it would prompt a virus detection, leading some users to panic.

For the virus to be removed, a premium-rate SMS subscription amounting to 4.80 EUR per week should be activated. Thus, making such acts a profitable trade for some malware creators.

Malware researcher at ESET reminded users to stick with official app makers and be more extra cautious when dealing with third-party apps offering additional functionality than the usual ones. Try to check as well the popularity rating and comments from previous users who have encountered the malware in the said app, for it will save you from complicated digital issues.

Watch here below ways of dealing with fake apps:


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