Urgent Warning: Uninstall the “Barcode Scanner” App by Lavabird

In a significant warning for smartphone users, it’s essential to address a concerning issue surrounding the “Barcode Scanner” app developed by Lavabird, which is available exclusively on the Google Play Store. If you currently have this app installed, it’s crucial to remove it immediately.

A recent report by the reputable site MalwareBytes has revealed that this seemingly innocuous app has been compromised and is functioning as malware. Originally designed to allow users to efficiently scan QR codes and barcodes using their smartphones, the app has undergone an unsettling update that has changed its behavior dramatically.

According to MalwareBytes’ investigation, the app now generates intrusive advertisements and can redirect users to potentially harmful websites without their explicit consent. The analysis also uncovered alarming new malicious codes embedded within the app that eluded detection from Google Play Protect, a layer of security many users rely on to safeguard their devices.

What’s particularly concerning is that, as of now, Google has not issued any warnings about this app, leaving many unaware of the potential risks associated with it. Therefore, if you’ve installed “Barcode Scanner” and your device is behaving unusually—perhaps slower than usual or overloaded with unwanted ads—take immediate action.

To remove the app, navigate to your Android device’s App Settings. Look for the package named “com.qrcodescanner.barcodescanner” and uninstall it without delay.

For more detailed information about this alarming situation, you can refer to the full report by MalwareBytes here.

Thank you for reading, and I appreciate your understanding as I share this important information. This is my first blog post, and I welcome any feedback you may have!