One software developer, Kosta Eleftheriou, has discovered some apps on the App Store which could be scamming people out of millions of dollars.
Kosta Eleftheriou has his own app, FlickType, available to buy in the App Store. During his routine checks, he discovered a range of scam apps that were using his marketing materials to sell their apps. This discovery was not only alarming but also raised significant concerns about the integrity of the App Store’s review and approval process.
Uncovering the Scam
On digging deeper into these scam apps, Eleftheriou found many more, with numerous apps making millions of dollars each year through subscriptions. These scam apps are using fake reviews to get their apps seen in the App Store over other developers with legitimate apps. The fake reviews often give the appearance of a high-quality app, misleading users into downloading and subscribing to these fraudulent applications.
Eleftheriou’s investigation revealed that these scam apps often employ sophisticated techniques to evade detection. For instance, some apps offer a basic functionality that works as advertised, but then they bombard users with aggressive subscription prompts. Others might use misleading descriptions and screenshots to trick users into thinking they are downloading a different app.
Up to now, I’ve been in the “Apple *wants* to do the right thing” camp. My viewpoint is starting to change.
How to spot a $5M/year scam on the @AppStore, in 5 minutes flat:👇
— Kosta Eleftheriou (@keleftheriou) February 6, 2021
Apple’s Response and Future Actions
So it would appear that Apple may have a problem with some scam apps in its App Store, taking money from users for software that does not work. This issue is particularly concerning given Apple’s stringent review process, which is supposed to ensure that only high-quality, legitimate apps are available for download.
It will be interesting to see what Apple has to say about this and what they intend to do about it. In the past, Apple has taken steps to remove scam apps and improve its review process. However, the persistence of these fraudulent apps suggests that more needs to be done. Apple might need to implement more robust detection algorithms, increase human oversight, or even introduce stricter penalties for developers who engage in deceptive practices.
Moreover, this situation highlights the importance of user vigilance. Users should be cautious when downloading apps, especially those that require subscriptions. Checking for consistent and genuine reviews, researching the developer, and being wary of apps that seem too good to be true can help users avoid falling victim to scams.
In conclusion, Kosta Eleftheriou’s findings have shed light on a significant issue within the App Store. While Apple has made efforts to maintain a secure and trustworthy platform, the presence of scam apps indicates that there is still room for improvement. By addressing these challenges head-on, Apple can enhance the user experience and ensure that the App Store remains a safe place for both developers and users.
Source Kosta Eleftheriou, 9 to 5 Mac, Techmeme
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