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CRITICAL banking Share

Fake SBI / ICICI / Axis Bank page on Google Firebase asks you to install a malware app

A scammer hosts a convincing fake bank or government-scheme page on Google Firebase. You install a 'helper app' that silently intercepts OTPs, overlays fake screens on your real banking app, and gives the attacker full remote control of your phone.

Also known as: Firebase bank fraud, Android God Mode malware, fake SBI Firebase page, PM-KISAN Firebase APK scam, Firebase credit card reward scam

What to do right now

  1. 1 Never open a bank link from SMS or WhatsApp — always type your bank's URL directly or use the official Play Store app
  2. 2 If a page asks you to download an APK (not from the Play Store), close it immediately — no legitimate bank or government scheme distributes apps this way
  3. 3 If you installed the app: remove your SIM card immediately and call your bank from a different phone to freeze your account and block all UPI and net-banking
  4. 4 Factory-reset your phone before reinserting the SIM — Accessibility-exploit malware survives uninstall attempts
  5. 5 Report the Firebase URL to cybercrime authorities — I4C actively processes Firebase takedown requests
  6. 6 If you installed any 'support' or 'server' or 'refund app' or remote-access app at the scammer's request (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, etc.), run free SeraphSecure (https://www.seraphsecure.com) to detect and remove it.
  7. 7 Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (national cyber helpline).

Was remote-access software installed?

If a scammer asked you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, or any remote-access app, your device may still be compromised.

Run SeraphSecure to detect and remove it →

Red flags

  • A link arrives via SMS, WhatsApp, or a search ad pointing to a page that looks like your bank's website but the URL ends in .web.app, .firebaseapp.com, or another non-bank domain
  • The page asks you to download an APK to 'verify your account', 'claim a reward', or 'receive a government payment' — real bank sites never push APK downloads
  • After installation, the app requests Accessibility Services permissions — this is the 'God Mode' step; no legitimate banking app asks for this
  • You start receiving OTP alerts for transactions you did not make
  • Your banking app screen briefly flickers or shows a slightly different login screen

Known variants

  • AI-built fake banking APKs distributed via WhatsApp and Telegram (Surat teen network, July 2026): Teenagers used AI tools to build 121 fake SBI, ICICI, HDFC, Axis Bank apps; sent via WhatsApp/Telegram claiming KYC expiry or account upgrade; same OTP-interception and Accessibility-Services exploit as Firebase variant; ₹64.38 crore stolen from 2,928 victims.

    Last seen: 8/27/2026

Sources

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