'Phone Update Recommended' Pop-Up Scam
The 'Phone Update Recommended' pop-up scam is targeted specifically at Android users. The dubious page shows users various pop-ups filled with false and manipulative messages. Apparently, the goal of the fraudsters is to lure users into downloading and installing a promoted application.
The 'Phone Update Recommended' pop-up scam tries to convince its visitors that their Android devices are experiencing poor processor performance, while also running low on memory. According to the message, these problems can be easily fixed by updating the phone. However, contrary to the previous statement, clicking the conveniently displayed 'UPDATE' button will allow users to download an unspecified Android anti-virus application. Pressing the button will open the official Avira anti-virus website.
It must be pointed out that the pop-up window associated with the 'Phone Update Recommended' scam is designed to appear as a legitimate Google Play notification. In reality, Google's application distribution and store platform are in no way related to this dubious website and the scheme it runs. The same also applies to Avira Operations GmbH & Co. KG, as the company is in no way associated with the scheme. The operators of the scheme are likely trying to earn fraudulent commission fees based on each transaction they facilitate.
Users should be warned that the 'Phone Update Recommended' pop-up scam and other similar schemes could change their behavior and start promoting questionable or untrustworthy applications. It is not uncommon for various PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs), adware, and browser hijackers to be distributed via such dubious methods.
