Apple Enhances App Reporting for Scams & Bad Apps

Apple Empowers Users to Report App Store Scams

In response to findings indicating a substantial number of fraudulent applications within the top ranks of the App Store, Apple has introduced a new reporting mechanism for users. This development, as reported by The Verge, allows individuals to directly flag potentially deceptive practices.

Integrated within the iOS 15 update to the App Store, the new functionality enables users to “report a scam or fraud” concerning both complimentary, in-app purchase (IAP)-supported, and paid applications. This reporting option is available for apps that have already been downloaded and installed.

Enhanced Reporting Capabilities

As highlighted by Kosta Eleftheriou and Richard Mazkewich on Twitter, this feature represents a significant improvement over the previous “Report a Problem” option. Users are now able to specifically identify scams or fraudulent activity.

Previously, reporting options were limited to flagging “suspicious activity,” noting “quality issues,” requesting a “refund,” or locating “missing content.” Furthermore, a prior requirement of making an in-app purchase to report a scam has been removed.

Accessibility Improvements

The “Report a problem” feature has also been reinstated on individual app listing pages. The Verge notes that it had previously been relocated to the bottom of the Apps or Games tabs, directing users to an external website.

Proactive Measures Against Fraud

These changes were anticipated following the release of updated App Store Review Guidelines in June. TechCrunch observed that these guidelines demonstrated Apple’s commitment to a more stringent approach to combating fraud, scams, and unethical developer behavior.

Widespread Scam Activity

Investigations, including reporting by the Washington Post, have revealed a range of deceptive applications available on the Store. These included misleading VPNs, problematic dating apps, dubious QR code readers, and applications falsely representing themselves as belonging to well-known brands.

Estimates suggest that users may have been defrauded of approximately $48 million by these malicious apps, according to the Post’s analysis.

Note: This article was originally published on Engadget.