{"id":90068,"date":"2018-06-21T15:14:56","date_gmt":"2018-06-21T22:14:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/securingtomorrow.mcafee.com\/?p=90068"},"modified":"2025-08-19T08:44:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T15:44:06","slug":"fake-fortnite-android-apps-youtube","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/mobile-security\/fake-fortnite-android-apps-youtube\/","title":{"rendered":"Heads Up Gamers! Fake Fortnite Android Apps Are Being Spread via YouTube Videos"},"content":{"rendered":"

Does the name \u201cFortnite\u201d ring any bells? It should, because it\u2019s probably the most popular video game in the world right now, garnering the attention of millions of fans and even a few celebrities.<\/a> Oh, and a handful of cybercriminals as well. Despite the fact that the game is not yet available for Android, crooks are advertising “leaked” versions of Epic Games\u2019 Fortnite \u2014 by releasing YouTube videos<\/a> with fake links claiming to be Android versions of the game.<\/p>\n

This scam<\/a> begins with a user conducting a simple Google or YouTube search for “Download Fortnite for Android” or “How to install Fortnite on Android.\u201d This search provides users with dozens of videos \u2013 some of which have millions of views \u2013 that claim they can show how to get the game on Android. From there, people are then directed to download one of the fake Fortnite apps.<\/p>\n

These fake apps do a great job at seeming convincing, as many use the same images and loading screens found in the iOS app.\u00a0They even play the game\u2019s intro song and prompt users to log in \u2013 seems legitimate, right? But soon enough, the apps reveal their true colors.<\/p>\n

The apps will ask a user to provide mobile verification, to which they\u2019ll confirm and hit OK. Then, users get redirected to a site claiming to check if they\u2019re a bot or not, which requires them to download another app and then click on a link that comes with the \u201cunlock instructions” within that app. Once users hit “tap to install,” however, they\u2019re only guided back to Google Play. Users can keep installing app after app and will never actually get to the actual Fortnite game.<\/p>\n

Tips to Stay Protected From Scams<\/h2>\n

Essentially, this means the cybercriminals are aiming to make money off of increased app downloads. This incident reminds us that online gaming has its risks<\/a>, and Fortnite is no exception. Therefore, in order to stay protected from this scam and others like it, be sure to follow these tips:<\/p>\n