14 DAY TRIAL // Around three weeks ago, experts warned users about fake Snapchat downloads being advertised via sponsored ads on Bing. Now, similar shady websites have been spotted in Google ads.
According to ThreatTrack Security, users who search for “Snapchat download” on Google might be presented with sponsored results that point to a domain called soft1d(dot)com.
This website hosts a fake Snapchat that installs a variety of third-party applications, such as Fast Media Converter and LyricsViewer. Then, users are offered additional pieces of software such as the Conduit Toolbar and Dealply.
Actually, these applications are the only thing that’s installed on users’ computers, because Snapchap isn’t.
Unsuspecting users can end up with the same fake installer if they search for Snapchat downloads on Bing. However, in the case of Bing, download-apps(dot)org/snapchat is the website that’s promoted via sponsored ads.
In order to avoid installing potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) make sure that you only download Snapchat from trusted sources.