Fake Robinhood Trading App Stealing Login Credentials
Counterfeit Robinhood mobile apps distributed via phishing sites and search-engine ads capture login credentials and two-factor codes the moment a user signs in, potentially exposing brokerage accounts containing investment portfolios and linked bank accounts.
Part of: Fake App Downloads
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Robinhood is one of the most recognisable names in retail investing, with a distinctive brand and a mobile-first experience. Criminals have created near-identical counterfeit versions of the Robinhood app distributed through phishing domains and malicious search ads, targeting the large and growing population of retail investors who use Robinhood as their primary brokerage.
Unlike a fake banking app that targets existing account balances, a fake Robinhood app targets both the brokerage account and the personal financial data it contains: portfolio holdings, linked bank account details, and tax information. With login credentials, an attacker can liquidate investments, change the withdrawal bank account to one they control, and initiate ACH transfers.
For newer investors who may be less familiar with cybersecurity best practices, a convincing fake app is an effective attack vector — particularly when delivered through paid search advertisements that appear above the genuine app store listing.
How this scam works on the Robinhood brand
The real Robinhood app is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, published by Robinhood Markets, Inc. The legitimate app at app.robinhood.com is the web version. Robinhood will never distribute updates through links in emails or social-media messages.
A common attack scenario: a first-time Robinhood user searches for 'Robinhood app download' and clicks a paid search result that links to a convincing fake page. The download is an APK (Android) or a redirected App Store listing for a copycat app. After installation, the fake app presents Robinhood's familiar green interface. When credentials are entered, they are transmitted to the attacker while the app displays a fake loading screen or error message.
The attacker then logs into the real Robinhood account from their own device, changes the withdrawal bank account, liquidates portfolio holdings, and initiates an ACH withdrawal — all before the victim realises the app they downloaded was fraudulent.
Common red flags
- You downloaded the Robinhood app via a search-engine advertisement rather than directly from an official app store
- The app's publisher in the app store is not exactly 'Robinhood Markets, Inc.'
- After entering credentials, the app shows a persistent loading screen or error rather than your portfolio
- A link in an email or social post directed you to download a Robinhood APK file
- The app has unexpectedly low review counts or ratings for a major brokerage app
- The app requests excessive permissions — such as SMS access or full storage read — that a brokerage app does not need
How to protect yourself
- Download Robinhood only from the official App Store (publisher: Robinhood Markets, Inc.) or Google Play Store
- Never install APK files from links sent via email or social media
- Enable two-factor authentication in Robinhood settings using an authenticator app
- Set up email alerts for all Robinhood account activity so any login or trade sends you an immediate notification
- Check app permissions before completing installation and remove the app if permissions seem excessive
- If you installed a suspicious app, change your Robinhood password from a clean device immediately
How to report it
- Report the fake app listing to the App Store or Google Play via the in-store reporting mechanism
- Contact Robinhood support at help.robinhood.com if account access is compromised
- File a complaint with FINRA at finra.org/investors/have-problem
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Report to IC3.gov (US) or Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 (UK)
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify the Robinhood app I downloaded is genuine?
Open your phone's app store, search for 'Robinhood,' and confirm the publisher is 'Robinhood Markets, Inc.' and the app has millions of ratings consistent with a major brokerage. If you are in doubt, uninstall and reinstall from the store directly.
What can an attacker do with my Robinhood login credentials?
With credentials and 2FA access, an attacker can view your portfolio, sell holdings, add or change a withdrawal bank account, and initiate ACH transfers. They can also access tax documents and personal information that could be used for identity theft.
Can Robinhood reverse a fraudulent ACH transfer?
Robinhood investigates unauthorised-access claims. ACH transfers may be cancellable if caught very quickly, but there is no guarantee. Report immediately through help.robinhood.com and contact your linked bank concurrently to attempt a recall.