Web3 Security Alert – Fake Apps
In the crypto space, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. One high-risk threat is making a comeback: fake Bitget apps. These malicious apps are cleverly disguised to look just like the official Bitget app — from the logo to the app description — making them nearly impossible to tell apart. Cybercriminals use a variety of tricks to lure users into downloading these lookalikes, aiming to steal personal information and digital assets.
What are fake apps?
Fake apps (also known as phishing apps or malicious copycat apps) are illegitimate applications created to closely mimic popular, legitimate platforms — such as crypto exchanges, wallets, or social networks. They replicate names, logos, interfaces, and even functionalities to appear authentic. Once installed, these apps often lead to privacy breaches or financial loss.
Key features
● Lookalike visuals: App names, logos, and layouts closely resemble the official version, with only minor differences (e.g., logo color schemes or font details).
● Cloned features: Fake apps may replicate core functions of the real app or simply redirect users to fake pages.
● Malicious permissions: Often request access to excessive phone functions like contacts, SMS, camera, or microphone — far beyond what's necessary — to monitor user behavior or steal data.
● Unofficial distribution: Commonly found in third-party app stores, phishing sites, links sent via SMS or emails, or shared in online communities.
● Lack of official credentials: Developer information is vague or missing, and contact details or privacy policies are often fake or absent.
● Spelling, grammar, or description errors: Phishing apps often contain basic mistakes, since legitimate developers typically review text carefully before publishing.
● Suspicious reviews: Low download numbers, polarized ratings (all 5-star or all 1-star), and a mismatch between the release date and the number of reviews.
Common attack scenarios
1. Wallet address replacement:
● Users attempt to deposit or withdraw funds using the fake exchange app.
● The app secretly replaces the recipient address with one controlled by the attacker.
● Funds are unknowingly sent to the scammer's wallet and are unrecoverable.
2. Credential theft:
● Users enter their login credentials and 2FA codes into the fake app.
● Scammers use this data to access the real platform.
● Assets are quickly transferred or misused.
3. SMS phishing:
● Victims receive SMS alerts such as "urgent security warning" or "unusual account activity" with links to download the fake app.
● Feeling pressured, users install the app and grant permissions.
● The app then steals sensitive information, including seed phrases or intercepts SMS verification codes, enabling unauthorized access.
4. Malware injection:
● The fake app installs additional malicious software in the background.
● It may deploy keyloggers to capture input from other apps.
● Files such as private keys or seed phrases can be silently accessed and uploaded.
5. Continuous monitoring:
● The app runs in the background, monitoring user activity.
● It captures screen content, especially when financial apps are in use.
● Attackers wait for moments to intercept or alter transaction data.
How do fake apps work?
Fake apps combine technical deception with social engineering:
1. Technical deception
○ Interface and code duplication:
■ Clone the official app's interface, functionality, or even source code, making the fake app look and function the same.
■ Modify legitimate APK files by injecting malicious code or replacing transfer addresses to create altered versions.
○ Permission abuse:
■ Request excessive permissions (e.g., read SMS, access contacts, track location) to enable data theft or remote control.
○ Intercepting and encrypting communication:
■ API interception is used to intercept and modify communication data between the app and its server.
■ Transmit sensitive information, such as transaction addresses or passwords via encrypted channels.
○ Detection evasion:
■ Code obfuscation: Modify the code to make it unreadable or harder to analyze, helping it evade automatic detection.
■ Delayed activation: Malicious code only triggers after installation or under certain conditions.
■ Dynamic loading: Malicious code is downloaded post-installation rather than bundled with the app.
■ Staggered permission requests: Sensitive permissions are requested gradually, lowering user vigilance.
2. Social engineering
○ Abuse of trust:
■ By mimicking trusted platforms (e.g., Bitget), phishing apps inherit user trust and cause users to drop their defenses.
○ Creating urgency:
■ Use scare tactics (e.g., "Your account is at risk" or "Asset loss detected") via SMS or push notifications to lower user vigilance and trigger quick, unverified actions.
○ Visual trickery:
■ Exploit users' inability to notice small visual discrepancies, using similar visual elements to deceive.
■ Inflate legitimacy with fake reviews and manipulated download counts.
○ Targeted distribution:
■ Target specific groups, such as crypto investor communities, to increase the success rate of attacks.
○ Frequent rebranding:
■ Continuously change app names, icons, and descriptions to avoid detection and prolong the scam's lifespan.
How to spot a fake app
Be on the lookout for these red flags:
● Abnormal icon: Slight but noticeable differences compared to the official app icon.
● Excessive permission request: Unnecessary permission prompted after installation.
● Suspicious reviews: Either overly positive or overwhelmingly negative.
● Grammar and spelling errors: Obvious mistakes in the app name or description.
● Unusual download volume: The legitimate Bitget app should have a large number of downloads.
● Suspicious developer information: Missing or fraudulent company details.
● Questionable release timing: Be cautious of newly launched apps with an unusually high number of reviews.
● Untrusted sources: App links shared via social media, SMS, or email instead of official channels.
Bitget security protections
Bitget is committed to keeping you a step ahead and fully informed about what's happening on your account.
Email alerts
If you have linked your email, you will receive an email whenever you log in from a new device. These emails include your anti-phishing code, verification code, login location, IP address, and device details. Always take a moment to verify that this information matches your activity.
If your account is accessed from a different location, you'll receive a follow-up email notifying you of the login. Please verify this access.
When making a withdrawal, you'll receive an email containing the verification code and full transaction details. Always confirm that everything matches your intended withdrawal.
Cooling-off period (1 hour or 24 hours)
To prevent impulsive actions caused by scams, Bitget has implemented a cooling-off period — a temporary safeguard triggered when the system detects potential account risks (like unusual login locations, suspicious transactions, or suspected fraud):
Cooling-off period: Depending on the risk level (1 hour or 24 hours).
● 1-hour period: For lower-risk scenarios (e.g., remote logins), this short delay pauses withdrawals so users can verify account activity.
● 24-hour period: For high-risk scenarios (e.g., verification method changes or phishing risks), all withdrawals are suspended, giving users time to reassess account safety.
Official verification channels
If you're unsure about someone's identity, you can always verify it through Bitget's official verification channels.
Best practices for account security
Enable multiple 2FA methods
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a critical layer of protection that requires two separate methods of identity verification. This may include combinations of email, passwords, SMS, Google Authenticator, security keys, or other methods. Using multiple 2FA options greatly strengthens your account security and reliability.
Set anti-phishing code
An anti-phishing code is a security feature provided by Bitget to help users identify phishing websites. Once enabled, all official emails and SMS from Bitget (excluding SMS verification codes) will include your unique anti-phishing code. Phishing emails and SMS will not contain anti-phishing codes, making it easy for users to identify whether they are from official Bitget channels.
To set it up, go to Profile > Security > Anti-phishing code and follow the instructions.
Visit this link for more details about anti-phishing codes.
Enable withdrawal address confirmation
When withdrawing funds via the Bitget website, there's a risk of malicious activities like traffic hijacking, which may tamper with your withdrawal address. To prevent this, Bitget offers a cross-device verification switch. You'll be required to scan a QR code using the Bitget mobile app to confirm the withdrawal address before the request can go through.
Practice good account hygiene
Install antivirus software. Always download applications and software from trusted official sources, and avoid clicking on links received via SMS. To further enhance your account security, consider using a dedicated device for accessing sensitive or confidential accounts. Never put all your eggs in one basket. Avoid logging into your email, inserting a SIM card, and storing Google Authenticator on the same phone. If your device is lost or compromised, having everything on a single device could mean losing it all. Spreading out your risk can significantly reduce potential losses.
Conclusion: Security begins with awareness — and it starts with you
Technology can build defenses in the field of network security, but your awareness and vigilance are the ultimate safeguards. Scammers thrive on confusion and urgency, but when you're informed, you can spot the traps and respond with confidence. Bitget provides a multi-layered security framework to protect users, but the most powerful safeguard is your own understanding of risk. Every bit of scam awareness you gain is another shield protecting your assets.
Knowledge is power. Action is protection. Bitget will continue to update anti-scam resources and risk alerts. Every time you double-check a detail or make a cautious decision, you close the door on scammers. Let's work together to make safety our shared foundation.
Learn more: Bitget's security best practices
Related articles:
Web3 Security Alert - SMS Spoofing
Web3 Security Alert - Payzero
Web3 Security Alert - High-risk Tokens
Web3 Security Alert - Fake Apps
Web3 Security Alert - Malicious Approvals
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