Fake Stalkerware Apps Advertised on TikTok Are Scamming the People Who Download Them

New research from Bitdefender has found that fake "stalkerware" apps are being promoted on TikTok to lure people who want to spy on others. The ads claim users can track someone's location, read private messages, uncover hidden accounts and recover deleted photos using only a phone number. Bitdefender said the apps, found on official stores including Google Play and in at least one case the Apple App Store, do not deliver these features. It noted that if they did work, they would likely be illegal in many jurisdictions.

Instead, the apps appear built to make money. Bitdefender said "free" trials lead to charges and subscriptions keep billing users. In one case, an app advertised as revealing what someone is doing from their phone number was mostly advertising and billing software, with only around 91 classes of its own code for a basic photo-stamping camera. Another app, Lens AI, was promoted in more than 3,000 ads in one month and used an icon closely resembling the 2019 to 2023 Google Lens icon. The ads play on emotions, and some used unsettling AI-generated imagery for shock value.

Bitdefender also raised concerns about app ratings, saying several apps had high overall scores despite user complaints that features failed and free trials led to charges. The company said it is unclear how ads promoting likely unlawful features continue to pass platform ad review.