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Type of mobile malware
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(February 2025)Chargeware is a type of mobile malware that appears to be a legitimate mobile application but is designed to charge users for services without their explicit knowledge or consent.[1]
Characteristics and functionality[edit]Chargeware primarily operates by misleading users into agreeing to unclear terms of service, leading to unauthorized fees and charges. It is often associated with Internet pornography, where third-party apps infect a user's device and covertly enroll them in expensive subscription services.[2]
Chargeware frequently employs deceptive tactics, such as:
Chargeware infections have been widely reported in various countries. In 2013, hundreds of thousands of users in France and the UK were affected, with many cases leading to further malware infections.[4] Other countries, such as Spain, saw chargeware infections at rates comparable to adware, while Japan reported the lowest incidence of such malware.[5]
The widespread use of mobile devices has made chargeware an attractive tool for cybercriminals, who continue to refine their tactics to evade detection. Hackers now focus on exploiting loopholes in mobile operating systems and country-specific billing regulations to maximize profits while minimizing the risk of legal repercussions.[6]
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