Super Smartphone Virus Spreads in China

A super smartphone virus designed for the Android operating system has spread in China and incurred phone charges for many users over the weekend, Xinhua reports.

The virus was an app called "XXshenqi", which was sent to mobile phone users through a link in short message.

If a user clicks the link in the message, the smartphone will start downloading and installing the app.

Then the app will send the same message to the contact numbers in the phone book, asking them to click the link. This will cause a certain amount of telephone expense losses.

Many users would choose to click the link because the message mentioned their names and was sent from their families or friends.

Until yesterday evening, police from many provinces and municipals warned off the virsus in their official Weibo, suggesting users not click the link in such short messages.

Network engineer surnamed Bai said this virus can be completely eliminated by most mainstream antivirus software after uninstalling the app.

A lawyer surnamed Ma said it was difficult for users to claim their money back since it was difficult to find the criminal.

Ma also suggested citizens who suffered from telephone expense losses should call the police for help.

"Even the losses for each user were small, the police will still launch an investigation if they receive a lot of such reports." Ma added.