Billions of Android users urged to delete sinister ‘fake’ app you didn’t realize is spying on everything you do
Emma Powell
Published Aug 21, 2026
HACKERS have created a fake version of the Telegram App that contains malicious software to gain access to Android devices.
The malicious version of the Telegram messaging App contains Triada malware that can inject into Android devices' processes to engage in malicious activities.
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The fake Telegram App is designed to be almost identical to the real version, according to research from Check Point Software Technologies, per Hack Read.
The hackers have made it seem legit by using a name that looks similar such as “(org.telegram.messenger)” along with the official logo picture.
The malicious App inserts a code into the device to gather device information, retrieve configuration files, and establish communication channels.
If the code is on your phone, then the Triada malware is capable of operating silently in the background and spying on everything you do.
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It is important to delete this App if you have it downloaded immediately.
When people download the malicious App, they are met with a login window that looks exactly like the real version, the research explained.
It asks for you to enter your phone number to grant access to device permissions.
Once your phone number is entered, it sends the detrimental code to your device.
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The Telegram App is a very popular messaging App that is available globally which correlates with hackers targeting it for their scams.
The malicious App is not available to download in Google Play Store.
It is only available through third-party app stores and it is recommended to avoid these all together to not run into scam Apps.
The fake App is specifically targeting the latest version of the Telegram App called 9.2.1.
Triada is a tricky malicious software and has been showing up in various fake Apps which has led it to grow overall, per Hack Read.
Google has confirmed that Triada malware has a large presence in inexpensive Android phones.
This includes models from various companies such as Leagoo, ARK Benefit, Zopo Speed, and Doogee.
