Apple Returns ‘Report a Problem’ to the App Store So You Can Report Scammers

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Apple removed the option to report App Store problems several years ago but has quietly added it again to iOS 15. However, a couple of improvements were made to the feature.

Previously, you could only report scams for apps in which you already installed and made in-app purchases. Unfortunately, this meant that it was inevitable that scammers who created the scam apps were getting your money before the issue was even discovered and reported.

Now with iOS 15, you can report issues without having paid, but you must still have the app downloaded. So, scammers who create apps with installation costs could still get your money before getting caught.

Apple also added a specific option to report fraud or scams, so apps flagged with that description should be the ones that are prioritized when it comes to fixing app-related issues.

Why Did Apple Ever Remove This Option?

Although Apple has not directly stated why the “Report a Problem” option was removed in the first place, it might have been to avoid potential liability issues, as suggested by App Store critic Kosta Eleftheriou on Twitter.

If a fraudulent app were to be reported and Apple did not immediately remove the app, you could assume that the company was being negligent. Apple’s reintroduction of the feature is likely a result of scam apps recently running rampant with many reports of so-called “fleeceware” apps that lure users in with free trials that end up being high-cost subscriptions they forget to cancel.

The “Report a Problem” addition is only available in the US and Australia right now. It is currently only seen with free apps that include in-app purchases.

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