Mobile security firm warns operators and consumers of bank account hacks.
AdaptiveMobile says there's been a spike in the number of apps designed to save batteries, that are in actuality riddled with fraud and malware designed to scam users via premium text messages and updates.
The security specialist cautions operators to educate consumers about the risks, avoiding churn, distrust and disagreements when the charges come through to their customers' phone bills.
The shady apps tend to be promoted outside of mainstream stores, so potential downloaders should be weary of apps promoted with banner ads that redirect them to unknown quantities.
Gareth Maclachlan, COO and founder, AdaptiveMobile, said: "Most of these applications fail to improve battery life and are designed to be misleading and trick people in to signing up to recurring premium SMS charges.
"We have recently seen a spike in the number of these rogue apps, which is a violation of trust for users and carries a high risk of churn for operators.