The App Store is known for its security. Every now and then, however, an app with malicious intent slips in between. Outsmart these applications with these 4 tips for recognizing fake apps.
Recognize fake apps from the App Store: 4 tips
Recently, a heart rate monitor app appeared in Apple’s store that was previously removed for trying to rip off money. However, by changing the name, the program regained access. With these tips, recognizing fake apps will be a breeze.
1. A forewarned person counts for two
Good preparation is half the job. That kite also applies to recognizing fake apps. Before downloading, check the description and name of the program you have in mind. This is especially important with apps that collect sensitive information, such as health apps.
Also watch out with dating and chat apps, because many scammers are simply active in the ‘adult’ industry. Play it safe and google the name of the app beforehand. If it is not pure coffee, you will see news reports quickly enough to try to warn you. The website App Exposed even keeps an overview of fake apps.
Check the maker and read reviews
Have you not come across any alarming messages? Then it’s time to take a closer look at the app page. Always take a look at the developer of the program. With the popular WhatsApp this is for example “WhatsApp Inc.” Creators of fake apps often give this a creative twist, for example by adding a hyphen or punctuation mark: “WhatsApp-Inc.”.
Always take a look at the number of reviews and the release date of the app. Fraudulent apps are often quickly removed, requiring creators to act quickly. Therefore, be wary of relatively new apps. Also pay attention to the number of reviews. When there are few to no reviews, you better be extra careful.
3. Be careful with Face ID and Touch ID
Your face and fingerprint are worth money, literally. For example, the cited heart rate app from the introduction tries to cheat users of money through a cunning trick. As soon as you start the program, you will be asked to put your finger on the Touch ID scanner, or to use Face ID. Based on this, the app can scan your heart rate (such as Instant Heart Rate Monitor for example also works).
When you do this, it actually opens a window at the bottom of your iPhone or iPad to confirm an in-app purchase worth over $ 70. The criminal makers naturally hope that you do not pay attention and accidentally use Touch ID or Face ID again, and complete the purchase in this way.
4. Use your common sense
This is probably the most important tip of all. Not completely trusting something? Just don’t download the app. As you can see, downloading a fake app can take a lot of damage and that would be a shame. Fortunately, the vast majority of the App Store is completely safe, but using common sense never hurts.
Download safe apps
Are you looking for fun, new apps that are 100 percent safe? Then take a look at our app overview. You can filter for popular, free, paid or new apps yourself. Also take a look at our monthly overview of new iOS games from July 2019 if you’re looking for games.