The key facts

  • Malicious software is being distributed disguised as free AI services for choosing haircuts, hairstyles and makeup
  • After installation, attackers gain remote access to the phone and can steal money
  • Roskachestvo previously reported phishing emails on behalf of a marketplace ahead of the 11.11 sale

A new scheme involving AI apps

Scammers are distributing malicious programs disguised as free AI services for choosing haircuts, hairstyles and makeup. RIA Novosti reports this, citing materials from the prosecutor's office; the publication Gazeta.Ru recounted the agency's warning. Fraudsters advertise such services online: after the app is installed, they gain remote access to the victim's phone and can steal money from their accounts.

What the prosecutor's office advises

The prosecutor's office recommended using only official services and not following suspicious links. The agency reminded users never to share SMS codes, passwords or bank card details with strangers, and to contact the police if fraud is suspected.

Context: phishing ahead of the 11.11 sale

This is not the only scheme that has been warned about in recent days. According to Gazeta.Ru, Roskachestvo reported that scammers are sending phishing emails on behalf of a major marketplace ahead of the 11.11 sale: users are promised 1,000 bonus points, but to receive them they must log in via a link in the email. The link leads to the real marketplace, but the victim's account is intercepted by the fraudster — along with the linked payment details. Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs also explained where scammers get information about their victims.