TikTok Pro scam: Beware of scam messages asking you to download the App

Team Udayavani, Jul 7, 2020, 3:59 PM IST

After the Indian government banned TikTok along with 58 other Chinese apps in the country, miscreants are now taking advantage of the popularity of TikTok  by promoting Malware in its name

Scammers are using SMS and phishing attacks to attract users into downloading an app called TikTok Pro. They are sending phishing links to people, telling them that ‘TikTok’ is available in India as ‘TikTok Pro’.

These links are being shared through WhatsApp and SMS with a message stating, “Enjoy Tiktok video and create creative videos once again. Now TikTok is only available in (TikTok Pro) then download from below.”

What happens if you click on the link

Firstly, there is no app called TikTok Pro. The link shared contains spyware and malware that can steal your data or can even damage your smartphone by installing virus-infested apps that look like a TikTok app.

Once someone clicks on the link it allows for an APK file to get downloaded on the device. When a user installs the app on the phone, the icon of TikTok appears on the home screen, just like the real one

While opening the app, it asks for device permissions but the app does nothing. It doesn’t function but by granting access to the device hackers steal confidential data from the phone.

If you come across such messages please ignore and do not forward it to anyone