A new app for Android has potentially taken funds from thousands of Scottish users without them even knowing about it.
Over 40 million people have now been warned after downloading the 'SnapTube' app, a platform which is designed to help users download videos from YouTube or Facebook.
Despite being a free app, a new report by UpStream systems has revealed that a certain kind of 'fleeceware' is installed when you first download the app.
This technology allows the app to sign up users to paid premium services without their knowledge.
Estimates show the app may have made nearly £80 million from this loophole, with many people not even noticing any funds leaving their bank account, reports the Express.
Google allows third-party developers to charge the credit or debit card saved with your Google account to enable some of the most popular services – like Netflix, for example – to work seamlessly for Android smartphone and tablet owners.
Android app users are usually able to cancel the trial period manually to avoid being charged for the full subscription.
However, the vast majority of users simply uninstall an app when they’re not interested – or want to avoid moving to a subscription. Some might’ve forgotten that they’d even signed up for a trial subscription within the apps when they remove them from their Android smartphones or tablets.
If you've installed SnapTube to quickly download a YouTube or Facebook video, then deleted the app and forgotten about it – you might've unwittingly signed yourself up to a premium service from the developer.
How do I remove SnapTube from my Android device?
Google has removed SnapTube from the Play Store which means users can no longer download it, however, it doesn't remove the application from those who have already downloaded it to their device
If you have previously downloaded SnapTube and noticed some unusual charges coming out of your current account you should launch the Google Play Store app on your handset and tap the menu button in the upper left-hand corner of your screen.
Then head to Subscriptions and find anything associated with SnapTube (or that you don't recognise) and select it.
Tap ‘cancel subscription’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
