Apple is known for being on the front foot regarding user security, and its App Store’s app review policy is no different. However, even the most stringent policies can have loopholes, and it is common for scammers and fraudsters to exploit them and publish fraudulent apps. Thus, malicious apps, scams, or misleading applications occasionally slip through and end up on the App Store.
Fortunately, you can report such apps to help Apple and have them take action, and prevent other users from falling for them. Here’s everything you need to know about reporting bad apps and scams in the App Store.
What are bad apps and scams in the App Store?
Bad apps in the App Store refer to fraudulent and misleading apps developed and published to deceive Apple users. Such apps violate App Store policy and pose security risks. They may also collect user data without consent, impersonate trusted services, and even trick users into making unnecessary payments.
Here are some common ways bad apps on the App Store can cause an inconvenience:
- Fake subscription traps: Fool users by secretly charging expensive recurring fees in the name of free trial.
- Apps with misleading functionality: Advertise top-of-the-line features but work differently or don’t work at all.
- Malware or phishing apps: Designed specifically to steal personal data, infect devices with malware, or redirect users to phishing websites.
- Apps that violate privacy policies: Collect or share user data without permission, often for advertising or malicious purposes.
- Impersonation of a legitimate app: Use duplicate or fake screenshots on the App Store to trick users into downloading it.
When and why should you report an app on the App Store?
Although the Apple App Store is a trusted platform, some apps may occasionally violate Apple’s guidelines, such as being involved in a financial scam, offering inappropriate or offensive content, misleading and false advertisements, and more. If you ever fall victim to such fraudulent or scam apps, you should immediately report them to Apple.
Reporting a fraudulent or harmful app will not only help you get back your money but will also benefit the entire Apple community by protecting users from scams and deceptive apps, helping Apple remove policy-violating apps from the App Store, and ensuring a safer app ecosystem for everyone.
How to report a scam app on an iPhone
The easiest way to report a bad app or scam on the App Store is via Apple’s Report a Problem webpage. You can access this webpage within the App Store app on your iPhone or open it in a web browser on your iPhone or Mac. Alternatively, you can contact Apple Support to let them know about such an app.
Let’s jump in to look at each of the methods in detail.
1. Reporting a scam app from the App Store
Starting iOS 15, you can report a bad app within the App Store on your iPhone itself. This is what it looks like:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Locate and tap on the app you want to file a report against to access its description page.
- Scroll to the Information section and tap Report a Problem under it. You will be redirected to Apple’s Report a Problem webpage.
- Sign in with your Apple Account.
- Tap the drop-down menu icon next to the I Would Like To text and choose an appropriate option: Request a Refund, Report a Quality Issue, Report a Scam or Fraud, Report Offensive, Illegal, or Abusive Content. Then, hit Next.
- Now, tap the drop-down menu icon next to the Tell Us More text and select one of the available options.
- Describe your issue and hit the Submit button. Apple will confirm that your report has been submitted.
2. Reporting a scam app via Apple’s Report a Problem webpage
Why go through the hassle of finding the fraudulent app on the App Store and get redirected to the Report a Problem website when you can visit it directly? This is also a nice approach for those who prefer using a Mac over an iPhone. Here’s how it works:
- In your preferred browser, visit Apple’s Report a Problem webpage and sign in using your Apple Account.
- Here, tap the drop-down menu button under What Can We Help You With section, select the best-suited option, and hit Next.
- Now, select the app you want to file a report against from the list below and tap Next.
- Finally, describe your issue and hit the Submit button.
3. Reporting a scam app through Apple Support
There are times when you can not report a certain issue against a fraudulent app. For example, Apple does not allow you to report a quality issue even when there is a dedicated option. In such cases, you can contact Apple Support and inform them about the scam app.
What happens after you report an app?
Once you submit a bad app report, Apple takes its sweet time to review it and then decides whether the reported app has violated any App Store policies. If it has, the Cupertino tech giant may take the following actions based on the reported issue:
- Remove the app from the App Store if it is fraudulent or violates guidelines
- Request changes from the developer to comply with App Store rules
- Issue a refund if applicable
Aside from the refund update, Apple does not provide individual report updates on app reports to users. However, to check whether your report has made any impact, you can check if the reported bad app is still available in the App Store after some time or days.
Summing up…
Yes, Apple must ensure no fraudulent app passes through its App Store’s app review policy. However, users must also report such apps to safeguard the entire community and help Apple maintain a safe environment for all users by taking quick action against such apps.
Have you ever encountered a scam app in the App Store? Share your experience in the comments.
FAQs
No, Apple will not notify you after you report an app. However, if you reported the app for a refund, you might get your money back.
Yes, you can apply for a refund against a bad app if it was misleading or didn’t work as advertised. Apple reviews refund requests on a case-by-case basis.
If you paid for an in-app item but didn’t receive it, or if the purchase was unauthorized, you can request a refund or report the issue to Apple.
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