New Android app scam can lock your phone and spy on you at the same time
A newly discovered harmful Android app can lock files on a phone while also spying on the person using it. It may record the screen, grab sign-in codes sent by text, and secretly take photos, turning one bad download into both a money and privacy threat.
Who is at risk
Android phone users who install apps from unknown websites, text links, social media messages, or unofficial app stores are most at risk.
What to watch for
Watch for sudden file lockouts, unexpected permission requests, camera activity you did not start, missing verification texts, or a phone acting strangely after installing a new app.
What to do
Immediately remove suspicious apps, disconnect the phone from the internet, change important account passwords from a different device, and only install apps from the official Google Play Store.