Overview
- Christopher Zárate says a caller posing as a mobile operator persuaded him on Feb. 10 to install a supposed network-optimization app from Google Play that displayed the telco’s logo.
- After installation, his banking app disappeared and the phone showed a fake Android update on Feb. 13, during which unauthorized transfers totaling more than S/9,000 were executed.
- He reported the theft to the National Police’s Depincri and lodged complaints with his bank, with Caretas reporting a filing to Indecopi as well.
- Police and cybercrime specialists warn of a broader trend in Peru that combines social-engineering calls with malicious apps or APKs, with regional reports including cases in Arequipa.
- Experts advise verifying developers and permissions before installing apps, enabling real-time banking alerts and two-step verification, and preserving the device without wiping it when reporting to authorities.