Dollars for Reels? Egyptian Experts Warn of “Watch-to-Earn” App Scams and Data-Theft Risks
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابCybersecurity and tech experts in Egypt are warning about the spread of so-called “watch-to-earn” or “watch and profit” apps promoted on social media as an easy way to make U.S.-dollar income by watching short videos, engaging with Reels, or downloading games. Experts say many of these apps rely on “virtual” earnings that quickly pile up on-screen, only for users to face near-impossible withdrawal conditions later, often involving large referral requirements.
Experts also caution that the risk may go beyond fake profits. Some apps can request sensitive permissions such as access to the camera, microphone, contacts, and device data, potentially enabling account takeovers, financial fraud, or blackmail.
Separately, Egypt’s National Telecom Regulatory Authority has warned that many phone-hacking attempts can be triggered through unknown links and suspicious social-media ads, urging users to enable security settings, keep systems updated, and avoid untrusted links
