In the ever-evolving digital landscape, a shadowy underworld thrives, preying on unsuspecting individuals through scam advertisements (scam ads) and scam applications (scam apps). These deceptive practices have become increasingly pervasive, and it's crucial to shed light on this issue and educate ourselves on how to stay safe online.

The Pervasive Nature of Scam Ads

Scam ads, a common tool for scammers, come in various forms, from clickbait ads to fake giveaways and fraudulent promotions. These misleading advertisements often lead to scam apps, luring users into a web of deceit.

The Connection Between Scam Ads and Scam Apps

So, how are scam ads and scam apps related? Scammers employ a cunning strategy: they put up fake ads online, posing as legitimate businesses, and seek to engage with you via social media or messaging apps. They aim to get you to download a seemingly innocuous app via an attached document or a link, which is, in reality, a scam app (Android Package Kit or APK file).

The Anatomy of the Most Viral Scam

Here's how the most viral scam happens:

1. Scammers, disguised as businesses, lure you with offers ranging from cheap cleaning services to festive promotions and travel deals.
2. They initiate conversations with you through social media or messaging apps, creating a false sense of trust.
3. Then, they convince you to download an app via an attached document or a link, leading to the installation of a scam app.
4. Upon downloading the scam app, you may inadvertently tap 'Allow' on a pop-up, granting it permission to view and send messages. This allows the scammer to steal SMSes, including your Transaction Authorisation Code (TAC) / One-Time Password (OTP), the transaction security code or the verification code.
5. The scam app may also redirect you to a fake payment page, directly transmitting your username and password to the scammer.
6. With access to your banking details, the scammer can potentially empty your bank account, although they may delay such actions to avoid suspicion.

Protecting Yourself Against Scam Ads and Scam Apps

In a world where scammers are constantly devising new tactics, it's essential to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Review the apps on your phone and delete those that are not from official app stores, as they may be scam apps that can compromise your banking details.
• Stay vigilant by following these guidelines: 
• NEVER download apps from unofficial sources.
• NEVER click on links sent via SMS, chats, or email without verifying their authenticity.
• DO NOT log in to sensitive accounts if you do not see your security image and/or phrase.
• If you suspect you've fallen victim to a scam, you can use the "Kill Switch" (disable e-banking access), a valuable security feature to temporarily deactivate your access. This instantly logs you out from all active sessions, blocking further login attempts and safeguarding your accounts. Any transactions in the form of fund transfers such as DuitNow, both debit and credit, will be blocked.

Scam advertisements and scam applications pose a significant threat in the digital realm. We can create a safer online environment by understanding how they operate and taking proactive steps to protect ourselves.Share these tips with your friends and family to ensure that more people are aware of these threats and can take the necessary precautions.

By arming ourselves with knowledge and staying vigilant, we can fortify our defences against the dark underbelly of the digital world.