Sparkasse, Volksbank & Co.: App steals bank data - customers should check smartphones
Created: 03/10/2022 11:57 am
By: Lisa Mayerhofer
Behind a seemingly harmless app for QR codes is a Trojan that could steal access to bank accounts such as the Sparkasse, among other things.
© Monika Skolimowska/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa
Behind a seemingly harmless app for QR codes is a Trojan that could steal access to bank accounts such as the Sparkasse, among other things.
Several reports warn of this.
Frankfurt – Above all, customers of large banks such as the savings banks* or Volksbanks are repeatedly targeted by fraudsters.
Apps can also steal bank data on smartphones: According to the technology magazine
Chip.de
, the “QR code & barcode scanner” is intended to give the malware TeaBot access to smartphones.
This QR code app could be downloaded from google play store until recently and it is also functional.
Savings banks, Volksbanken & Co.: Trojans can steal access data from banking apps
But what remains hidden from users: If the app is given permission for an update in a pop-up window, it installs the malware on the smartphone.
The Trojan TeaBot can then take over the screen, simulate the login page of apps and thus capture access data from banking apps such as those from Sparkasse and Volksbank.
According to Chip.de
, the malware can now
mimic over 400 apps.
This could also include the applications of large German banking associations such as the Sparkassen, Volksbanken, Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank.
According to the technology magazine
pcwelt.de
, there have already been victims in Hong Kong, the USA and Russia.
The app had been downloaded over 10,000 times by then and had positive reviews.
However, it is no longer available in the Play Store.
Malware on the phone?
What Android users can do – Reset smartphone
But how do you find out if you are affected?
Android users should look for "QR Code Scanner: Add-On" in their application's list.
According to
Chip.de
, the malware is hiding behind it, which can become a real stumbling block for customers of savings banks, Volksbanken and Co.
If you discover this name in your list, delete the app immediately and reset your smartphone to the factory settings.
You should also check your bank accounts, inform your bank and change the access data.
also read
FBI warns against careless handling of QR codes
Checking in at places, calling up test results, reading in certificates: people around the world got used to QR codes at the latest with the corona pandemic.
Criminals also take advantage of this.
FBI warns against careless handling of QR codes
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In general, if an app wants to install an extension or an update in a pop-up window, smartphone users should be suspicious, explains
pcwelt.de
.
Because this installation should normally work directly via the Google Play Store* and not lead to other sites.
*Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
