App (Pets) installs itself and changes lock screen image

[Nonantum]

Using a Samsung Note 9 running Android 10. 

On Aug. 18 an app called "Pets" unexpectedly installed itself and changed my lock screen images to pictures of pets (changes each time). The app does not show up in the list of installed apps. However, MalwareBytes recognized it as a suspicious app, and I deleted it using MalwareBytes.

Today (Aug. 31) the app installed itself again during a period of inactivity. I know the time because MalwareBytes showed the app installation time. I again uninstalled it with MalwareBytes.

How can I stop this from re-installing itself? I searched these forums and elsewhere using Google and could not find any information about "Pets".

Thanks.

[mbam_mtbr]

Hi @Nonantum,

First, lets make sure that it doesn't have Device Admin rights.  This would prevent it from being installed.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Do one of the following:
   1. Tap Security & location > Device admin apps.
   2. Tap Security > Device admin apps.
   3. Tap Security > Device administrators.
3. Tap a device administrator app.
4. Choose whether to activate or deactivate the app.

If it is not on the list, it could be getting installed by another piece of malware.  If you could send an Apps Report, that would be very helpful.

To send an Apps Report with Malwarebytes for Android use the following instructions.

1. Open the Malwarebytes for Android app.
2. Tap the Menu icon.
3. Tap Your apps.
4. Tap three lines icon in upper right corner.
5. Tap Send to support

Choose an email app to send Apps Report.

Your email app will open with the Apps Report included.

At this point, it would be very helpful to mention you are submitting via recommendation from the Malwarebytes forum.  This allows our support staff to know where to direct it.

By sending the Apps Report, you will create a ticket in our support system.

Private Message (PM) me the email used and/or the ticket number assigned.