Google has removed 22 applicationsfrom their Android Market store which were identified as fraudulent software.Apps posing as popular third-party software such as Angry Birds tricked users into sending premium text messages.
Lookout, a mobile security company based in San Francisco, believes the fraud attempt originated from Russia.
After notifying Google of the 22 affected apps, Lookout said it then identified five more apps running the so-called “RuFraud” scam.
The BBC said that unlike some other app services, Android Market apps are not vetted prior to being added to the store.
Google has said it swiftly removes apps that violate its security policies.
The scam would make a user believe they were about to download a game or program, but instead they were giving the phone “permission” to send a text message costing about $7.
