Twenty-eight fake Android apps posing as call history tools racked up more than 7.3 million downloads on the Google Play Store before being caught. Apps like “Call History: Any Number,” “Call Details of Any Number,” and “Phone Call History Tracker” promised users they could secretly look up anyone’s call logs, SMS records, or WhatsApp messages. That’s not actually possible — the apps simply delivered fabricated results and charged real money for them, via Google Play subscriptions ranging from small monthly fees to charges as high as $80.
One developer even falsely branded their app as an official Indian government service to appear trustworthy. The apps targeted users primarily in India and the wider Asia-Pacific region, but were available globally. Some used deceptive notifications — claiming a “report” was successfully delivered — to pressure non-paying users into buying a subscription.
How to check if you’re affected
Affected devices are Android phones with any call history tracker or “call details” app installed that promises access to another person’s call logs.
- Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile photo, then go to Payments & subscriptions → Subscriptions to see all active charges.
- Cancel any subscription you don’t recognize, especially from apps promising call record lookups.
- Check your bank or credit card statements for recurring small charges you didn’t authorize.
- If you paid through Google Play billing, you may be eligible for a refund — contact Google Play support.
- If you paid directly through the app (credit card entry or third-party payment), contact your bank or card provider to dispute the charge.
- Delete any call history or “spy” tracker apps from your phone.