Google Play store flooded with scam apps
The Google Play store is being bombarded with apps designed to scam unsuspecting users, according to consumer advice platform Scambook.
The scammers aren't even bothering to write malicious code, instead relying on simple human error to install their fraudulent apps. One app in particular has no purpose other than to launch a link to an adult video website. When the user is then asked to register, an email form is generated linking to another service on another website. Users are then asked to pay a $3,200.00 yearly fee within days of receipt.
These apps are constantly showing up on the Play store thanks to Google’s automated process for scanning submissions. Scambook urges users to exercise caution when looking at new apps, especially if they're not from recognized sources.
It offers three tips for spotting malicious Android apps:
- Check the source of the app, a common red flag are those companies that have never released another title and have few or no consumer reviews or ratings.
- Is personal information required? Most apps have no need to ask for sensitive personal information in order to work.
- Are further purchases required? Consumers shouldn’t need to make further purchases, especially if they have already bought the app in the first place. If you’re asked to pay extra you should exit and delete the app immediately. Even those in-app purchases that are common for many games are not usually necessary to enjoy the game.
Do you think it's time that Google tightened up its submissions process to prevent users from falling prey to this kind of scam? The iTunes app store has always had a more rigorous vetting scheme. Have you fallen prey to a scam app? Let us know your thoughts.
Image Cedit: karen roach/Shutterstock