---
title: "Fake downloads and apps: how to spot one | URLert"
description: "A message or a page that pushes a file, an “update” or an app to install. What it can do, how to tell, and where to get apps and updates instead."
url: https://www.urlert.com/scams/fake-downloads
mcp: https://www.urlert.com/mcp
---

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# Fake downloads and apps

A message or a page that pushes a file, an “update” or an app to install. What it can do, how to tell, and where to get apps and updates instead.

An email to a video creator

From to me

We'd love to sponsor your channel. Download our app and the brief to get started: https://brand-partners.example/kit.zip

On this page

1. What it looks like
2. How to spot one
3. What to do
4. Already acted?
5. Similar scams

## What it looks like

An email to a video creator

From to me

We'd love to sponsor your channel. Download our app and the brief to get started: https://brand-partners.example/kit.zip

A pop-up on a website

Your Chrome is out of date. Download the update to continue.

A text from +1 555 0179

+1 555 0179

Text Message

You have a new voicemail. Install the app to listen: https://voicemail-app.example/get.apk

Examples. The names and amounts change; the shape doesn't.

## How to spot one

1. **A file you weren't expecting,** often with an ending like .zip, .exe or .apk, called “invoice” or “document”.
2. **An app from a link, not from your phone's app store.**
3. **An “update” or a “missing video player” offered by a website.** Real updates come from your phone's or computer's settings, or from the app itself.
4. **It asks you to turn off a protection** or allow apps “from unknown sources”.
5. **A free version of something that usually costs money, or a mod or cheat for a game:** software, a game, a film.

## What to do

1. **Don't open the file or install the app.** Delete the message.
2. **Get apps only from your device's app store,** and updates from its settings. A link that downloads a file or app directly is a warning sign.
3. **Still not sure?** [Check the message](https://www.urlert.com/index.md). We open its link on a phone and a computer, not yours, and tell you what it is.

### Already opened or installed it?

- [I installed something](https://www.urlert.com/recover/installed.md)
- [I let someone into my computer or phone](https://www.urlert.com/recover/remote.md)

## Similar scams

- [Fake “verify you're human” pages](https://www.urlert.com/scams/fake-verify-human.md)
- [Tech support pop-ups and calls](https://www.urlert.com/scams/tech-support.md)
- [Crypto wallets](https://www.urlert.com/scams/crypto-wallets.md)

On this page

1. What it looks like
2. How to spot one
3. What to do
4. Already acted?
5. Similar scams

[URLert home](https://www.urlert.com/index.md)

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