6 In-App Purchases Scam
Some scams don’t utilize consumer-company trust. Rather, they abuse app developer-customer trust by creating fake applications that, basically, ask for money in return for a service.
Apple is typically pretty good at keeping malicious apps out of its App Store, but it’s within the realm of possibility for some to get through the review process. Because of this, it’s still important to be aware and remain vigilant — as one developer and writer pointed out last summer.
He discovered a fake “security & VPN” app that uses Apple’s in-app purchase system. In exchange for a (typically steep) subscription fee, these fake apps claim to provide some sort of fake service — such as anti-virus scanning or VPN system. Due to bugs in the App Store algorithm, they can appear fairly high in storefront search rankings.
If you’re worried about these types of scams, then keep an eagle eye out for questionable app titles with typos or inconsistencies and check the app’s reviews. Also, check the service that the app claims to provide. Note that iOS doesn’t need anti-virus software, and if you’re looking for a VPN, make sure that the VPN app in question is legitimate, vetted and well-rated.