What You Need to Know About Scam Apps

Users who frequently download smartphone apps are at risk of encountering scam apps. These scam apps are often cheap imitations of more popular apps that use clever tactics to trick users into buying them. These scam apps are often displayed near the original, safe version of the app they are imitating. Smartphone users can easily avoid these apps by following a few browsing guidelines.

Similar Sounding Names

Users who browse for apps on their phone or on the internet should always know the exact name of apps that they have discovered through recommendations. Many scam app developers prey on users by publishing them with names that are quite similar to the genuine article. The user only realizes that they’ve purchased a scam app once they have already submitted a payment.

The best way for users to avoid these particular scams is by doing their research. A quick Google search for the exact name of the app will fix many problems. Similarly, a quick call to a friend or visit to the blog that made the recommendation will provide the genuine name and avoid confusion.

Take Ratings Into Consideration

Smartphone users are pretty good about rating things that they like. Smart web and smartphone users know how to use these ratings to find quality products and services on the web.

Start by looking for high to medium ratings. Anything from two to five out of five stars generally means that the app delivered on its promises even if it was not ideal. Ratings of zero or one often mean that the app was a scam.

When searching ratings, also look at the number of ratings: if only three or four people have given this app the thumbs up, the app could be new. However, few ratings are also a sign that the app is a scam that only received a few ratings by its creators. Proceed with caution.

Look at the Comments

In the age of the internet, the comments section is the web user’s answer to “buyer beware”. If a user is suspicious that an app may be a scam, they may find the answer to their questions in the comments section. When previous buyers have been scammed, they frequently alert other users that accurately express their dissatisfaction.

Research the App

Sometimes users find that an app that they are interested in has few or no comments or ratings. In these cases, the internet can provide a wealth of useful information.

There are plenty of websites out there that exclusively review new apps as soon as they hit the market. And they are just as good at spotting scam apps as they are at reviewing awesome ones. Find one of these websites and enter the name of the app in their search engine or just go right to Google.

Then read the reviews carefully. Don’t stop after finding out that the app has a web presence or lots of advertising. Anyone can pay for that and scam artists often use that tactic to convince people to bite.

The best way to go about internet research is to tailor searches to reputable blogs with well-written reviews that do not contain an overwhelming amount of advertising. A few minutes of reading will reveal whether an app is worth the money or a misleading scam.

There are plenty of scam apps out there. However, users who know a few good app searching rules are unlikely to fall for them. Careful research and responsible shopping are a great way to avoid buying into scams.

Author Bio:- Jennifer Darby is an application developer originally from the United Kingdom. She wrote this on behalf of a website from back home, www.lifeinsurancequotes.co.uk where you can get a life insurance quote now.