Watch out for fake apps intent on stealing your money and data
Since the first touchscreen mobile phones debuted, beginning with the first iPhone in 2007, users have been collecting and downloading apps for nearly everything from online banking, shopping, gaming and social networking. Whether on a mobile phone or a tablet, you are sure to be cultivating herds of apps on your device. And in ubiquitous fashion, scammers see opportunities for plunder: stealing your data and your money. Fortunately, if you are careful, wary, and diligent, you can put a barrier between yourself and the fraudsters.
Fake app scams run the gamut between creating imitations of legitimate apps and even creating their own apps, promising new conveniences, rewards, discounts, or exclusive features in order to entice unsuspecting users. What both categories of bogus apps have in common is the malware/spyware payload they’re likely carrying. Fraudsters will use these apps to steal personal information, obtain banking details, and even trick users into making payments. And, of course, the goal is also to spread the malware itself.
Many of these apps, both imitations of genuine apps and those created from scratch, on the surface look pretty convincing until you delve deeper. There may be spelling and grammatical errors within the app description, as well as within the app itself. Look at the reviews: are there unusually few reviews and do any of the testimonials use repetitive fake-sounding AI-generated verbiage, all glowing reviews? If you’ve downloaded the app, does it make numerous requests of unnecessary permissions, and offers that seem too good to be true? If so, delete the app from your device posthaste! Better yet, don’t download it in the first place!
The safest option, of course, is to download apps from trusted sources like Apple’s App Store and Google Play. If you read a promising review of a particular app on a website, email, or text, do not click the download link. Instead go directly to either Apple’s App Store or Google Play to download the app. But even before you do this, verify the developer’s identity, read all reviews carefully, and check the app permissions required before installation if you can. Never share sensitive information through unverified applications.
Since fake app scams have become a serious cybersecurity issue since the emergence of smart phones nearly two decades ago, it’s always best to err on the side caution when downloading and using apps. Always be aware of the danger signs and don’t become beguiled by promises of digital gifts that may have malware lurking in the background.
A Stay-Safe Checklist
Check the Developer: Research the company name and peruse their update history. New or single-publication developer profiles are a major red flag.
Look for Poor Quality: Watch for bad grammar, odd taglines, or low-resolution logos (pixelated and/or blurry).
Inspect Reviews: Generic and cliche-populated verbiage, or five star reviews can be AI-generated manipulation.
Review Permissions: Be suspicious if a simple utility or game asks for access to your contacts, SMS messages, or accessibility settings.
How to Protect Yourself
Use Official Stores: Stick to Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store, though you should still inspect details carefully.
Avoid External Links: Do not download apps from third-party sites, SMS text messages, or WhatsApp links.
Delete and Report: If you suspect an app is fake, uninstall it immediately, run a security scan, and report it through the app store or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
More Information on Fake App Scams
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Fake apps: What they are and how to spot them
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How to spot and avoid fake apps
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