Android is home to a deluge of applications that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Many developers use advert networks in order to make money from their software.
However, a new report has discussed a scam being harnessed by fraudsters that places hidden video ads behind traditional banner promotions that can drain the battery life and internet data of Android devices.
Although the ads cannot be seen nor are actually viewed by the user they are registered as if they have, netting the malicious actor or actors in question money.
This technique has been referred to as “ad stacking”.
BuzzFeed News insisted in particular many apps harnessing Twitter’s MoPub ad platform have been plagued by the scheme.
The outlet said fraud detection company Protected Media discovered the scam occurring through MoPub and helped the outlet, along with an “outside fraud lab”, identify Israeli firm Aniview as being implicated in the matter.
In response to the allegations, Aniview said it had no involvement in the ad scam.
Instead it emphasised its ad platform was taken advantage of by a third party.
Aniview did not name the ill-natured third party in question.
Speaking with BuzzFeed News Asaf Greiner, the CEO of Protected Media, stated his team has seen “tens of millions of dollars’ worth” of fraudulent ads running every month.
Greiner added: “Fraudsters are purchasing cheap in-app display inventory and are filling it with multiple video players behind innocuous fake branded display ads.”
Moreover, the CEO insisted “several” ad tech firms have “engaged in or facilitated” in the scam, highlighting its severity.
BuzzFeed’s report discussed an independent developer called Julien who created one of the most popular audio apps on the Google Play Store.
Julien highlighted the problems of the scam to both developers and users.
He stated: “I don’t even think about me being ripped off.
“All I think about is them damaging the app’s reputation.
“It can cost money to a user and drain his battery. This is the thing that makes me really mad.”
No Comment! Be the first one.