The National Consumer Service (SERNAC) reported the detection on mobile phones of some 26 applications from the Google and Apple platforms, through which hackers intend to scam users.

Behind them, there are companies that are usually not formally registered, operate from addresses outside the country or, in some cases, simply do not exist, the institution said.

According to SERNAC, this is a worrying phenomenon as part of which the applications in question not only break the law, but are also extorting and harassing consumers.

The modus operandi is usually the offer of easy loans or the proposal to make investments that bring along quick and substantial profits.

At the beginning, they only ask for basic information, such as the identity card number, but they gradually demand access to data such as the contact list, emails, location and even the camera of the device, until they have almost total control of the phone.

The agency indicated that it had received complaints from people who have been charged for loans they never requested and when they refuse to pay, they are threatened, even with death.

Although some of these programs have already been eliminated by Google and Apple, several of them are still operational, SERNAC added.

Due to the increase in cases, SERNAC is working with the Investigative Police (PDI) to trace the origin of the applications and investigate possible crimes of threats, extortion and harassment.

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