{ "success": true, "data": { "id": 1688658, "msgid": "become-thieves-gateway-to-m-banking-delete-these-15-apps-now-1776678672", "date": "2026-04-20 16:05:00", "title": "Become Thieves' Gateway to M-Banking: Delete These 15 Apps Now", "author": "", "source": "CNBC", "tags": "", "topic": "Finance", "summary": "Cybersecurity firm McAfee has identified 15 dangerous apps on Google Play Store that disguise themselves as legitimate loan services to steal personal and financial data from users, with over 8 million downloads worldwide, including 2 million in regions like Indonesia. These apps, often promoted via fake social media ads with promises of low-interest loans, trick users into providing sensitive information, leading to extortion and high-interest debt traps. While the apps have been removed from the store, users who downloaded them are urged to delete them immediately to protect their mobile banking security.", "content": "

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - There are many methods used by\ncybercriminals to drain victims\u2019 money. One of the most popular is the\n\u2018phishing\u2019 method through email or text messages.<\/p>\n

The scammers\u2019 approach is simple: they manipulate the victim\u2019s\npsychology to click on a dangerous link embedded with malware to steal\nsensitive data, including financial information.<\/p>\n

In addition to phishing, there is also a scam method that inserts\nmalicious software into mobile apps.<\/p>\n

Recently, a report from cybersecurity firm McAfee revealed 15 apps\nsuspected of being dangerous because they can steal personal data and\neven empty victims\u2019 accounts.<\/p>\n

These apps are easily accessible as they are on the official Google\nPlay Store and have been downloaded by millions of people.<\/p>\n

The McAfee report states that these apps have been downloaded a total\nof 8 million times. Many of them originate from fake online loan apps\nknown as Spy Loans.<\/p>\n

Of the 15 apps, three are available in Indonesia. All of them have\nbeen installed by a total of 2 million users.<\/p>\n

According to McAfee, all these dangerous apps use names, logos, and\ndesigns similar to official financial apps. The danger is that scammers\nalso promote fake ads on social media.<\/p>\n

The method involves fake loan apps promoting low interest rates and\neasy requirements to attract potential victims. When they download the\napp, users are asked to fill in personal and financial data.<\/p>\n

With that personal data, cybercriminals use it to terrorise victims.\nThey demand repayment of the loan with super high interest, ultimately\nmaking victims unable to pay. This scam targets victims from three\nregions: South America, South Asia, and Africa.<\/p>\n

Here is the list of 15 dangerous apps found, quoted from Toms\nGuide:<\/p>\n