Trend Micro has recently detected a website offering different fake Skype mobile apps for Android.

The security solutions provider says that with over 170 million users of Skype worldwide, this malicious Skype app puts many interested users at risk of financial losses. 

According to Trend Micro, when users attempt to download from sites hosting the fake Skype apps, the malicious site leads them to the .JAR file instead of the expected download file.APK file for Android apps.

Upon execution, this malicious app functions to send SMS messages to specific numbers, thereby inflicting unnecessary monetary charges for these messages.

Though these fake Skype apps are marketed specifically to Android users, the malicious .JAR file can be executed on pre-Software Installation Script (SIS) Symbian phones or certain versions of Android that run Java MIDlet too, said Trend Micro in a statement.

Trend Micro defines five simple steps on how you can better secure your Android-based smartphones, and better protect yourself against malicious apps. They are as follows:

1.       Use your smartphone's built-in security features

2.       Avoid using free, but unsecured wi-fi access

3.       Scrutinise every app you download regardless of source

4.       Understand the permissions you are allowing before accepting them

5.       Consider investing in an effective mobile security app

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