The claim

You will be informed via SMS that you have received a voicemail or voice message. In order to listen to it, you have to install the corresponding app on your smartphone.

Our conclusion

There is no voicemail or voicemail. The app is malware. The app spies on personal data (contacts, bank details, etc.) and transmits it to the perpetrators.

Already in 2021, consumers were flooded with such fake SMSes. The first wave of SMS messages took place in March 2021. At that time it was said that a package was on the way and you should “click here” to access the tracking ( here ). In order to listen to the current voice message, you have to follow a link in the SMS. This link leads to a fake page that looks like an official page of the mobile phone providers “ A1 ” or “ T-Mobile

On this page you are informed that you have to “download a voicemail app” and you are informed that you have to activate and allow the installation of “unknown apps ” and this is exactly what you should avoid!

These are currently these or similar SMS messages

You should ignore such a dubious SMS and delete it immediately. There is no new voice message or voicemail
You should ignore such a dubious SMS and delete it immediately. There is no new voice message or voicemail

The messages are sent randomly and for no apparent reason. The claim that a voicemail or voice message can be accessed is intended to encourage people to follow the link in the SMS. Anyone who does this ends up on a fake website where further information about the alleged voicemail or voice message can be found.

Fake websites from A1 and T-MOBILE with “You have a new voicemail”
Fake websites from A1 and T-MOBILE with “You have a new voicemail”

In order to listen to the message, an app should be downloaded from an unknown source. Short instructions are also provided. Warning: Apps from unknown sources often contain malware.

How do you recognize fake SMS?

The fake SMS can be revealed as a fake relatively quickly because:

  • Voice messages are usually presented in a completely different way.
  • The web address of the fake site has nothing to do with your own mobile phone operator.
  • Mobile operators never ask you to install apps from unknown sources.

What makes the installation dangerous?

Installing malware can have a variety of negative consequences. Depending on what type of malware was installed, the consequences differ:

  • Criminals want to access data: Certain malware allows personal information to be accessed from devices.
  • Keyloggers save keystrokes: Keyloggers allow all keyboard entries to be read. In addition to messages, important passwords can also be read.
  • Controlling devices remotely: Criminals can sometimes trigger actions such as SMS on other people's devices. This can result in high costs.

What should I do after an installation?

Once the malware has been installed, the only option left is usually to reset the device to factory settings. This is the only way to ensure that the malware is 100 percent removed from the device. Please note that any data that has not been saved in a backup will be lost.

After reinstalling the device, any passwords that may have been read should be changed. If financial damage has already occurred, a police report should be filed. If you have additional costs on your mobile phone bill, you should contact your mobile phone provider.

Additional Information:

A1: What to do against Flubot and other scam SMS?
RTR: Fake SMS to voicemail messages infect smartphones with malware


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