Be cautious when downloading crypto apps, as we've found scams disguised as legitimate offerings on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. While most apps are safe, vigilance is key.
This blog exposes some of the "dodgy apps" we discovered and provides 7 crucial tips to help you avoid falling victim to these scams.
Only apps that include user-to-user content, meaning that they let people upload content for other users to see, are covered by the new Online Safety Act.
Spotting and reporting dodgy apps
Follow Which? seven top tips for spotting a dodgy app:
- Review information from the app’s developer including its privacy policy and T&Cs.
- Read reviews of the app on more than one platform or website.
- Do a quick Google search of the developer and scan its website for the typical scam signs, such as bad grammar and a newly registered URL.
- Always enable two-factor authentication when downloading an app, if possible.
- Think twice about agreeing to the app’s permissions, as while some apps will need to access certain parts of your phone, if the permissions seem excessive, reconsider downloading it.
- Check how recently the app was updated, if an app was updated more than six months ago, then it's one to be wary of.
- Check the number of downloads it has as genuine apps have millions or billions of downloads.
To report apps on the Apple App Store, visit Apple's 'Report a problem' website.
To report an app on Google Play, go to the details page of the app, tap ‘more’, flag it as inappropriate, choose a reason and then tap submit.
If you think you may have been scammed, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card. Then report it to Action Fraud or call the police on 101 if you’re in Scotland.
Stay tuned for the full article to learn how to identify and avoid these hidden threats!
Source: Which? (28 Feb 2024)
