Chargeware is a seemingly valid-looking
mobile application
A mobile application or app is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch. Mobile applications often stand in contrast to desktop applications which are designed to run on des ...
used to charge a user for services without proper notification or knowledge. Often focused on
Internet pornography, third-party porn apps are downloaded onto a user's mobile device, in turn infecting their phone with the malware known as Chargeware.
The purpose of Chargeware is to manipulate a user into agreeing to
unclear terms such that fees and charges are applied without the user's full understanding or consent.
Chargeware is deliberately difficult to renege from, so that charges can continue for as long as possible without carrier interference. Simply put, it's a deliberate move to continue paying for something you never wanted to.
In 2013, hundreds of thousands of users, primarily in
France
France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its metropolitan area ...
and the
UK, experienced applications of this nature which ultimately led to other forms of malware on their mobile device(s). Various other countries, such as
Spain
, image_flag = Bandera de España.svg
, image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg
, national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond")
, national_anthem = (English: "Royal March")
, i ...
, encountered Chargeware infections that almost matched the number of
adware
Adware, often called advertising-supported software by its developers, is software that generates revenue for its developer by automatically generating online advertisements in the user interface of the software or on a screen presented to the ...
infections;
Japan had the lowest number of Chargeware infections of any other country.
Hackers are reportedly learning their market and changing tactics (i.e.,
mobile malware) so that operations are harder to trace and harder to shut down. Said markets also include specific countries, since charging practices can vary on either a country or carrier basis.
References
{{reflist
Types of malware
Internet fraud