Technology
Warning over ‘rogue’ Bitcoin apps that STEAL your money – full list here
OVER 170 scam cryptocurrency mining apps have been spotted by security researchers.
All of them are Android apps and 25 were spotted on the Google Play Store.
25 of the apps were found on the Google Play Store
A detailed report from Lookout listed all the malicious crypto-mining apps.
Those spotted on the Google Play Store have now been removed.
However, Android users who may have already downloaded them should check the list below.
The apps don’t actually mine for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin but they will take you’re money.
Scam Android cryptocurrency mining apps
Security researchers are advising that you delete these apps…
Airdrop
BeMine
Bit Butter
Bit Mine
Bitco Mining
Bitcoin Blast
Bitcoin Blast Pro
Bitcoin Burn
Bitcoin Cloud
Bitcoin Doubler
Bitcoin Earn
Bitcoin Galaxy
Bitcoin Hasher
Bitcoin Machine
Bitcoin Matrix
Bitcoin Miner
Bitcoin Mining
Bitcoin Pro
Bitcoin Servers
Bitcoin Tunnel
BITCOIN WORLD
BitcoinCash Miner
BITGRAM
BitHash
Bitmining pro
Bitnex Miner
Bito Hash
Bito Holic
Bito Mamba
Bito Star
Bittorrent Earn
Black Bitcoin
Black BTC
Black Crypto
Black ETH
Black Ethereum
Bright Miner
BTC
BTC CLOUD MINING
BTC Doubler
BTC Hash
BTC HASH BLAST
BTC Machine
BTC Master
BTC MINE
BTC Miner
BTC POOL
BTC SERVERS
Btcminer pro
Btcminer prom
Cloud BTC
CLOUD COIN MINING
CLOUD ETH
Cloudy BTC
COIN MASTER
coinx
Crypto Cloud
crypto cloud mining pro
Crypto King
Crypto Money Inc
CryptoPlace
Dark Bitcoin
Doge Miner
Earn BTC
Earn Interest
Ethereum Cloud
Ethereum Machine
Ethereum Pool
EtherMine
ETHMINER PRO
FOX BTC
Free Doge
GOLDEN ETHEREUM
Grand BTC
Hash Bit
HashCoin
HashFarm
HashFarm Pro
HashMine
HashStar
Hashstar Bit
HONEY BEE MINER
Lite Miner
Litecoin Miner
Midcoin Cyripto Mining
Mining Pool
Moon Bat
Moon BTC
Mr Bitcoin
Multi Coins
Pink BTC
ProBitco
Ravencoin
Ripple Miner (XRP)
Smart Coins
Star BTC
Top Coins
USD MINER
VirtualCPU
XMR Miner
YFI Miner
Bito Miner
BTC Cash
BTC CLOUD
Cloud Mining
Crypto Pro-Miner
Mining Machine
My Application
If you’ve downloaded one of the above apps then you’re advised to delete it straight away.
The Lookout Threat Lab researchers explain on their blog: “The apps’ entire raison d’être is to steal money from users through legitimate payment processes, but never deliver the promised service.
“Based on our analysis, they scammed more than 93,000 people and stole at least $350,000 between users paying for apps and buying additional fake upgrades and services.”
The security researchers separated the apps into two categories called BitScam and CloudScam.
All the apps charge for offering fake cloud cryptocurrency mining services.
However, the apps put in the BitScam category accept Bitcoin and Ethereum as payment options.
Most of the apps would charge upfront costs and try and charge for extras.
Users were told they couldn’t withdraw earnings until they reached a certain money milestone but even if they did reach this, the apps would then show an error message.
The Lookout blog explains: “Similar to BitScam, CloudScam apps offer options for users to earn more coins at an increased rate, such as “upgrading” to a subscription plan with lower minimum withdrawal balance and higher mining rates, referring friends and earning “20%” of their friend’s earnings, and daily rewards.
“None of these options will earn users coins. Instead, they result in generating more revenue for the scammers behind these apps.”
What is Bitcoin?
BITCOIN got you baffled? Here’s what you need to know:
Bitcoin is a virtual currency
It’s traded between people without the help of a bank
Every transaction is recorded in a public ledger, or “blockchain”
Bitcoin is created by mining
Mining involves solving difficult maths problems using computer processors
Bitcoin can be traded anonymously, which can make it a popular way of funding illegal activities
The value of Bitcoin fluctuates wildly
Bitcoin is one of many different cryptocurrencies, but by far the most popular
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, nine apps have had to be removed from the Google Play Store after they were caught stealing Facebook passwords.
Facebook is facing backlash in the US over plans to create a version of Instagram for children under 13.
And, influencers who don’t clearly state if they’ve edited photos which are advertisements could be fined or imprisoned in Norway due to a new law.
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