Kakao Pay Warns of Surge in Malicious Apps Linked to Crypto Scams

Kakao Pay Corp. warned users to check their mobile security after malicious applications linked to virtual-asset scams, including Ponzi schemes and phishing, surged recently.

On April 23, Kakao Pay said data from its "Kakao Pay Vaccine" security service showed malware detections related to crypto scams have risen sharply since mid-April. Daily detections, which were below 2,000 at the start of this month, have recently climbed to about 6,000. A total of 82,812 cases were detected over the roughly two weeks through April 21.

The company said the apps typically lure users with claims of artificial intelligence-based trading or high-return investment opportunities, then lead them into multi-level crypto scams.

Kakao Pay urged caution over investment offers that emphasize principal protection or guaranteed returns. It also identified phishing attempts made through messenger apps or so-called "leading rooms," where scammers show purported proof of profits or promise outsized rewards.

The company advised users to install apps only through official app stores and to avoid running installation files delivered through external links or as files. If fraud is suspected, users should report it to the Financial Supervisory Service hotline or police.

Kakao Pay also stressed the importance of checking smartphone security. Kakao Pay Vaccine is designed to detect threats including malware, app tampering and permission theft, while incorporating information on new threats. The service is part of Kakao Pay's integrated security functions. Other features include "My Information Leak Check," which checks whether personal data has been exposed, "Financial Guard," which alerts users to suspected asset theft, and a function that allows family members to share their security status.

A Kakao Pay official said the company will continue strengthening its security response system as phishing techniques grow more sophisticated.