It is impossible to access someone else's call history through an app, as carriers do not provide access to that data and third-party developers do not have the necessary permissions to retrieve it. Despite this, 7.3 million people have downloaded apps that claim to offer this functionality, according to welivesecurity. ESET security researchers uncovered a network of 28 fraudulent Android apps known as CallPhantom. These apps falsely promised users access to call logs, SMS records, and WhatsApp history of any individual. However, the data generated by the apps was fake, designed to appear convincing only after users had paid for the service. Google Play Store Oversight All 28 fraudulent apps were available on the Google Play Store, amassing millions of downloads. Some apps even used deceptive developer handles like "Indian gov.in" to appear legitimate. Despite warnings from users who were scammed, the apps managed to maintain respectable ratings due to fake positive reviews. WeLiveSecurity ESET reported the fraudulent apps to Google in December 2025, leading to their removal. However, Google did not detect the scams on its own, highlighting a significant gap in its automated threat detection system. Some apps circumvented Google's payment system, directing users to third-party transactions or embedded card entry fields. This violates Play Store policies and complicates refund processes for affected users. Exploiting Curiosity The appeal of these apps lay in offering users the ability to spy on others, tapping into a desire that many people have. The apps were cleverly designed to cater to this curiosity, with subscription options and fake notifications to entice users into paying for non-existent services. WeLiveSecurity Ultimately, these scams preyed on people's curiosity and desire for information, offering false promises in exchange for payment. Users who made payments through Google Play can seek refunds through the platform, while others face challenges in recovering their money.
