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What is fleeceware?
Unlike ransomware or phishing attacks, the apps aren’t designed to steal a user’s private credentials. However, it’s another form of malware known as fleeceware. It’s a type of mobile application that uses scam tactics to trick users into paying more than what an app is worth. They come with hidden fees, use fake reviews to promote their false reliability and hide one-star reviews, and are often extremely difficult to unsubscribe from. Even if a user deletes the app, they will still be billed monthly fees. It’s a nasty form of malware that is often promoted on various social media platforms, falling into categories that would interest users such as photo and video editors, puzzle games, document scanners, virtual instruments, and more. Apple has yet to take down these scam apps, despite them being publically known for over a year. Check out the full list of fleeceware apps to avoid, and always be sure to research an app’s full range of reviews for any signs of scam tactics — especially if there are a number of one-star ratings.
