Russian financial institution Ozon Bank has warned Android users against downloading fraudulent mobile applications impersonating its official banking services on the Google Play store.
The security alert was issued after two counterfeit applications surfaced on the Google Play platform, designed to collect personal user data and carry out phishing schemes following the removal of the bank's official application on August 12 under European Union sanctions.
Both malicious applications have since been rendered unavailable in the online store after the financial institution alerted the platform operator and requested an immediate block.
Removal of banking applications and online security risks
The disappearance of legitimate financial software from mobile app marketplaces has created security risks for mobile users in Russia. When official banking applications are removed from major platforms due to international restrictions, fraudsters frequently deploy lookalike software using official corporate logos and names to deceive mobile phone owners.
Ozon Bank issued a formal warning across its official social media channels, advising customers that the newly uploaded programs had no connection to the institution. Press representatives warned that downloading the unauthorized software posed significant risks to personal data and device security.
Bank officials confirmed that they had contacted Google, the operator of the Google Play store, to enforce a permanent block on both unauthorized listings. To ensure safe access, the press service directed Android users to alternative domestic and international application catalogs, including RuStore, Huawei's AppGallery, and Samsung's Galaxy Store, alongside direct links on verified company platforms.
RuStore was established by Russian technology group VK in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Development as a national Android app repository to host restricted Russian applications. Similarly, Chinese hardware manufacturer Huawei operates AppGallery, while South Korean tech firm Samsung maintains Galaxy Store, both of which serve as major alternative software hubs for Android users in Russia.
Sanctions impact and service restoration
The security incident followed European Union sanctions imposed on Ozon Bank, which resulted in the deletion of its main mobile banking application from the Google Play store. Ozon Bank functions as the fintech division of Ozon, providing digital payment services, consumer financing, and merchant accounts across the company's e-commerce marketplace.
Despite the ban on the banking app, parent company Ozon announced that the majority of its non-financial digital applications were restored to Google Play after a six-day absence. The restored services followed a successful legal appeal and included the main Ozon shopping portal, Ozon Fresh, Ozon Seller, and Ozon Travel.
Corporate representatives emphasized that European Union sanctions placed specifically on Ozon Bank do not apply to other business units within the broader Ozon corporate group.
Furthermore, Ozon Bank stated that the sanctions have not affected its day-to-day financial operations within Russia. Bank officials assured clients that domestic payment processing, fund transfers, and routine account management continue to function in full, and all customer deposits remain completely secure.
Media coverage and anti-disinformation measures
Reports indicating that a new official Ozon Bank app had appeared on Google Play did not receive widespread media traction in Russia. Instead, prominent news outlets including Kommersant, RIA Novosti, and Moskva 24 published consumer warnings urging the public to avoid downloading the fake software.
The reporting on the fake applications was compiled in collaboration with Lapsha Media, a specialized Russian digital fact-checking initiative dedicated to identifying online scams and fake news.
