Chargeware: What it is, signs to spot, and how to stop unwanted charges

Chargeware

What it is

Chargeware is a sneaky mobile app that looks legit—even works as advertised—but secretly signs you up for paid services and bills your phone number or card. Think weather app or cleaner with a side job: quiet subscriptions and premium SMS charges. See examples in our  
Chargeware guide

What you may notice

  • Unexpected SMS fees or small recurring charges

  • Subscription emails/texts you don’t remember approving

  • App asks for phone/SMS or billing permissions it shouldn’t need

How it slips in

  • Look-alike listings on official stores or sideloaded APKs

  • Fake trials: tiny text, auto-renew toggled on by default

  • Aggressive prompts: “Verify phone” or “Enable premium features”

Fix it now (quick steps)

  1. Uninstall the suspicious app.

  2. In your carrier account/app store, cancel subscriptions and block premium SMS.

  3. Contact your carrier/bank to dispute charges and add spending limits.

  4. Run a mobile anti-malware scan; review app permissions.

Prevent it

  • Install only from trusted developers; read recent reviews and permissions.

  • Avoid sideloading; be wary of “free trials” requiring a phone number or card.

  • Use family/expense controls on carrier and app-store accounts.

  • Keep the OS and security apps updated.

    Glossary (A–Z)

    All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

      • Related Articles

      • EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response)

        What it is EDR is your always-on security team for laptops and servers. It watches what’s happening on each device, spots attacks in progress, and helps you respond fast - quarantine, investigate, and clean up. For details on capabilities and use ...

      • Data Breach Prevention

        Why it matters Breaches drain money, trust, and time. Strong basics turn scary “what ifs” into non-events: a phish gets ignored, a stolen password is useless, a lost laptop holds only encrypted gibberish. The short, smart checklist MFA everywhere: ...

      • Data Execution Prevention

        What it is Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a Windows safety net that stops code from running in places it shouldn’t—like the stack or heap. If malware tries to execute from those memory areas, Windows blocks it and shuts the app down instead of ...

      • Data Loss

        What it is Data loss is when important files—photos, projects, invoices—disappear or become unreadable. It happens for lots of boring-but-real reasons: accidental deletes, failing drives, malware, spilled coffee, power cuts, or disasters. Common ...

      • Security Software

        What it is Security software is a set of apps and services that protect your devices and data from hackers, malware, and mistakes. It covers tools like antivirus/anti-malware, firewalls, VPNs, email and web filters, intrusion detection/prevention, ...