CTM360 Uncovers a Large-Scale Fake Play Store Scam Targeting Global Users: PlayPraetor Trojan
Mar 10, 2025
CTM360 has recently observed a sophisticated global scam campaign where victims are lured through fraudulent Google Play Store download pages. CTM360, a leading cybersecurity company for Digital Risk Protection, has identified over 6,000 instances of these fake pages, tricking users into downloading malicious apps. Once installed, the apps disguise themselves as legitimate software to deploy PlayPraetor (a malware named after the authoritative Roman praetor). It seizes control of infected devices to steal banking credentials, log keystrokes, and monitor clipboard activity. The operation's global reach and complexity highlight a highly coordinated effort to compromise users' data for malicious purposes. How the Scam Works Threat actors behind PlayPraetor execute a well-crafted deception strategy: Fake Play Store Pages – Cybercriminals create highly realistic clones of Google Play Store and other trusted sources to distribute Trojanized APKs. Malicious APKs Disguised as L...
