$12.5B
FTC-reported fraud losses in 2024
FTC says consumers reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024.
fake antivirus app scam
Bogus antivirus apps display fake threat warnings to scare users into purchasing premium versions or granting device administrator permissions that enable data theft.
“fake app”
↑ 58%Key indicators
Usually targetsSmartphone users
Often hitsRetirees and seniors
Common regionUnited States
Last updated2026-04-04
Estimated impact
$960
median reported loss
Typical range$60 – $6.0K
Recovery rate~15%
Scam breakdown
1
Scammers distribute fake antivirus apps that display alarming fake scan results showing nonexistent malware infections
2
Frightened users are prompted to purchase the premium version or grant elevated permissions to remove the fake threats
3
With elevated permissions, the app can steal data, intercept messages, and install additional malware while displaying a clean scan result
What to do first
Use antivirus apps only from established security companies such as Norton, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, or Kaspersky
Related terms
fake mobile security appscareware appbogus virus scannerFake app scamsGoogle PlayRisingSmartphone usersAndroid usersOlder adultsRetirees and seniorsNonprofit and charity workersUnited StatesIndiaBrazilfake mobile security appscareware app
Real-world example
How this scam plays out in practice
Based on reported patterns. Names and details are illustrative.
The setup
Daniel, 35, a smartphone users, encountered what appeared to be a legitimate fake app scams situation while using Google Play. Scammers distribute fake antivirus apps that display alarming fake scan results showing nonexistent malware infections
Step 2
What happened next was calculated: Frightened users are prompted to purchase the premium version or grant elevated permissions to remove the fake threats
Step 3
The pressure escalated quickly: With elevated permissions, the app can steal data, intercept messages, and install additional malware while displaying a clean scan result
The outcome
Daniel realized something was wrong when app immediately claims your phone is infected with multiple viruses upon first scan. By that point, significant damage had already been done — money sent, personal information shared, or trust exploited.
The lesson
Use antivirus apps only from established security companies such as Norton, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, or Kaspersky Daniel's experience shows why app immediately claims your phone is infected with multiple viruses upon first scan and app demands device administrator permissions or accessibility service access are the clearest early warning signs.
How to identify it
- App immediately claims your phone is infected with multiple viruses upon first scan
- App demands device administrator permissions or accessibility service access
- The app developer has no other security products and no verifiable company information
- Pause before paying, clicking, or sharing information. Scammers rely on speed.
- Verify the sender, company, or agency using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.
- Treat secrecy, urgency, and off-platform payment requests as strong scam signals.
What to do now
- ✓Use antivirus apps only from established security companies such as Norton, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, or Kaspersky
- ✓Be suspicious of any security app that claims to find many threats on a new or well-maintained device
- ✓Remove the app and revoke its administrator permissions through your phone settings if you suspect it is fake
What to save before reporting
- ✓Save the message, profile, phone number, email, or URL that was used.
- ✓Keep payment confirmations, receipts, and account alerts before you dispute or delete anything.
- ✓Write down the timeline while the details are still fresh.
How big is this problem
You are not alone — this scam affects millions of people.
These numbers come from government agencies and official reports. If you have been affected, know that this is a widespread problem — not something that only happens to careless people.
FTC 2024 fraud losses
Imposters
Most common FTC fraud category in 2024
FTC says imposter scams remained the most commonly reported fraud category in 2024.
History and evolution
- This scam family tends to persist because the social-engineering pressure works even when the exact scripts, platforms, and payment methods change.
- The specific packaging evolves over time, but the core pattern usually stays the same: create urgency, control the channel, and push action before verification.
- Google Play Protect scans over 100 billion apps daily and removes thousands of fake security apps annually that fail its malware detection standards
Recovery and follow-up
- ✓Save the messages, receipts, account alerts, and transaction details before you block or delete anything.
- ✓Report the scam through the official platform or government channel that best matches where it happened.
- ✓Use antivirus apps only from established security companies such as Norton, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, or Kaspersky
- ✓Be suspicious of any security app that claims to find many threats on a new or well-maintained device
- ✓Remove the app and revoke its administrator permissions through your phone settings if you suspect it is fake
Why this pattern keeps working
Even when the story changes, most scams still use the same pressure pattern: urgency, authority, and a request to move money or data fast.
Google Play Protect scans over 100 billion apps daily and removes thousands of fake security apps annually that fail its malware detection standards
OpenScam research
Where to report it
If you have been targeted by this scam, reporting it helps authorities track the pattern and protect others. United States has dedicated agencies that handle fraud reports.
ReportFraud.gov
Federal Trade Commission
Central U.S. consumer fraud reporting portal.
File an IC3 complaint
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
FBI portal for internet-enabled crime reports.
Start identity theft recovery
IdentityTheft.gov
Official U.S. identity theft recovery plan builder.
Explore further
Understand the bigger picture
Who is most at risk
Who this scam targets
Primary targets
Smartphone users, Android users, Older adults
Geographic concentration
United States, India, Brazil
Primary channel
Google Play — Fake app scams
Why this group is vulnerable
Smartphone users are particularly vulnerable because this scam exploits trust in familiar brands, authority figures, and time-sensitive decisions. The growing number of reports suggests that awareness among this demographic remains low.
Sources and methodology
How we verify this information
OpenScam tracks scam patterns using a combination of government consumer protection databases (FTC, IC3, Action Fraud), platform-specific fraud reports, and verified consumer complaint data. Each entry is cross-referenced against at least two independent sources before publication.
Severity ratings are based on financial impact potential, reversibility of damage, and volume of reports across multiple reporting channels. Trend velocity reflects the rate of change in report volume over the most recent 90-day window.
This page was last verified on 2026-04-04. Red flags, recovery steps, and reporting resources are reviewed quarterly against current agency guidance.
Evidence and indicators
- Google Play Protect scans over 100 billion apps daily and removes thousands of fake security apps annually that fail its malware detection standards
Source notes
- OpenScam research
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about fake antivirus app scam
How does the fake antivirus app scam work?+
Scammers distribute fake antivirus apps that display alarming fake scan results showing nonexistent malware infections Frightened users are prompted to purchase the premium version or grant elevated permissions to remove the fake threats With elevated permissions, the app can steal data, intercept messages, and install additional malware while displaying a clean scan result
What are the warning signs of fake antivirus app scam?+
App immediately claims your phone is infected with multiple viruses upon first scan App demands device administrator permissions or accessibility service access The app developer has no other security products and no verifiable company information
What should I do if I encounter fake antivirus app scam?+
Use antivirus apps only from established security companies such as Norton, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, or Kaspersky Be suspicious of any security app that claims to find many threats on a new or well-maintained device Remove the app and revoke its administrator permissions through your phone settings if you suspect it is fake
Who is most at risk for fake antivirus app scam?+
This scam primarily targets Smartphone users, Android users, Older adults. It is most commonly reported in United States, India, Brazil and typically appears on Google Play.
Is fake antivirus app scam on the rise?+
fake antivirus app scam is currently on the rise with growing reports. It has been reported across US, IN, BR. Last updated 2026-04-04.
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What to do first
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What to do first
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Help someone avoid this scam.
Scammers succeed because people do not talk about it. If you or someone you know has been affected, there is no shame in it — it happens to millions of people every year. Share this page with friends and family so they know what to look for.