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Mobile app scams
Mobile app scams get past app store reviews and look legitimate until they start charging hidden subscription fees, harvesting contacts, or impersonating banking and utility apps. The damage often starts after permissions are granted.
Common searches
Watch for
- The app asks for permissions unrelated to its purpose — contacts, SMS, accessibility.
- A free trial requires payment info upfront and the cancellation process is hidden.
- The app closely mimics a well-known brand but the developer name is unfamiliar.
- Reviews are mostly 5-star with generic praise or were posted in a short time window.
Romance-led investment scam
A relationship begins on social or dating platforms and gradually shifts toward a fake investing opportunity with fabricated gains and escalating deposits.
Never invest based on a romantic contact's recommendation.
Online daters
Global
Fake boss wire approval voice note scam
A finance employee receives a convincing voice note from what sounds like the CEO approving an urgent same-day wire.
Call the executive or use the internal approval flow before sending funds.
Finance teams
Global
Cloned voice kidnapping message scam
A victim receives a voice note and chat messages claiming a loved one has been kidnapped and must not be contacted.
Contact the loved one through a separate channel and alert local police if needed.
Families
Global
Visa sponsorship placement fee scam
An overseas role promises fast visa sponsorship but asks for processing, embassy, or medical coordination fees upfront.
Check the employer and visa process through official immigration channels before paying.
Migrant job seekers
Global
Romance scam recovery lawyer fraud
A fake lawyer claims they already tracked your romance scammer and only need filing fees to start the recovery.
Treat recovery outreach after a romance scam as likely secondary fraud.
Romance scam victims
Global
Tour reservation WhatsApp deposit scam
A tour operator contact moves a booking into chat and requests a deposit to hold your place outside the official booking flow.
Book tours only through verified operators or trusted platforms.
Tourists
Global
Romance gift card emergency scam
A romantic contact says their phone, rent, or food emergency can be solved quickly if you send gift cards or instant payment.
Never move money to a romantic contact you have not met and verified.
Online daters
Global
Romance customs package scam
A romantic contact says they sent a valuable package, but customs, courier, or anti-terror fees must be paid before delivery.
Do not pay package release fees for gifts from online-only partners.
Online daters
Global
Romance-to-forex bait scam
A romantic contact slowly shifts the conversation into a special forex or crypto opportunity that only trusted people can access.
Separate emotional relationships from financial decisions entirely.
Professionals
Global
WhatsApp stock tip group scam
A private chat group pushes coordinated stock buys while fake members post profits to create trust and urgency.
Never trade based on private group pressure or unverifiable gains.
Retail investors
Global
Synthetic identity loan scam
A lender or credit-builder program uses a partially fake identity footprint to open accounts that later surface as fraud against the victim.
Review your credit reports and dispute unfamiliar applications quickly.
Young adults
U.S.
Visa processing agent scam
A traveler or student is told a visa application can be accelerated if they pay a private agent through chat or an unofficial portal.
Use only official government visa channels or verified legal advisers for application steps.
International students
Global
Airport transfer prepay scam
A transport provider or host pushes for advance payment for an airport pickup that either never happens or routes through a fake payment page.
Book transport through the official platform or pay in person only after verification.
Tourists
Global
Inheritance release romance scam
A romantic contact says money is tied up in inheritance, customs, or attorney fees and asks the victim to help unlock it so they can be together.
Do not send funds to unlock inheritance, estates, or cross-border transfers for a romantic contact.
Older adults
Global
Copy trading WhatsApp group scam
A private group promotes a mentor or analyst whose picks appear to win consistently, then funnels members into fake broker or wallet deposits.
Do not fund broker or wallet accounts shared only inside a chat group.
Retail investors
Global
Apple impersonator tech support scam
Scammers pose as Apple Support via calls or emails, claiming your Apple ID is compromised or your iCloud account has been breached, to steal credentials or money.
Apple never calls you unsolicited to ask for your password or verification codes
Apple users
U.S.
fitness app subscription scam
A fitness or wellness app charges premium subscription fees after a brief trial, often using biometric or fingerprint confirmation tricks to authorize payments.
Review subscription charges in your app store account settings regularly.
App users
U.S.
Apple ID locked scam
A message claims your Apple ID has been locked or will be disabled and directs you to a fake Apple website to enter your credentials, giving scammers access to your iCloud, payments, and devices.
Check your Apple ID status by going directly to appleid.apple.com — never through links in emails.
Online consumers
U.S.
fake Amazon review job scam
A message offers a lucrative work-from-home job writing Amazon reviews, but the real goal is to collect your personal information or get you to make purchases you will never be reimbursed for.
Never pay out of pocket for a job opportunity — legitimate employers do not require this.
Side hustle seekers
U.S.
app store review manipulation scam
Developers pay for fake 5-star app store reviews to boost rankings, misleading users into downloading low-quality or malicious apps.
Read recent reviews and look for specific, detailed feedback rather than generic praise.
Online shoppers
U.S.
event resale QR code scam
Scammers sell event tickets with manipulated QR codes that redirect to phishing sites or are duplicates that only work for the first person who scans them.
Always use the official ticket transfer feature within the event app rather than accepting screenshots
Concertgoers
U.S.
appliance warranty extension scam
Scammers call or email homeowners claiming their appliance warranties are expiring and offering costly extended coverage that provides little to no actual protection.
Verify your actual warranty status by contacting the appliance manufacturer directly using the number in your owner manual
Homeowners
U.S.
App Store imposter app scam
Fraudulent apps mimic popular legitimate apps in the Apple App Store using similar names, icons, and screenshots to trick users into downloading malware or paying for useless subscriptions.
Verify the developer name before downloading and follow links from the official company website to the correct App Store listing
Smartphone users
U.S.
fake VPN app scam
Malicious apps posing as free VPN services actually log user browsing data, inject ads, or route traffic through servers controlled by the scammer.
Use only well-established VPN providers with transparent privacy policies and third-party security audits
Smartphone users
U.S.
fleeceware subscription trap scam
Fleeceware apps offer minimal functionality for extreme subscription prices, often enrolling users during a deceptively short free trial that auto-converts to charges of up to 200 USD per year.
Always cancel subscriptions through your phone settings rather than just deleting the app
Smartphone users
U.S.
gifting circle scam
Participants are told to give a cash gift to join a circle with the promise of receiving a larger payout when they recruit enough new members, which is an illegal pyramid scheme.
Understand that gifting circles are illegal pyramid schemes regardless of what they are called
Low-income households
U.S.
blessing loom scam
The blessing loom is a pyramid scheme presented as a board or flower diagram where participants pay to enter and are promised a large payout when enough new members join below them.
Recognize that the blessing loom is an illegal pyramid scheme regardless of the language used to describe it
Low-income households
U.S.
fake Uber driver scam
An unauthorized driver approaches riders claiming to be their Uber, collects cash or takes them to a different destination — the rider has no Uber safety protections.
Always verify the driver's name, photo, vehicle make/model, and license plate in the app before entering any vehicle.
Rideshare users
U.S.
surge pricing manipulation scam
Drivers coordinate to create artificial demand in an area by simultaneously going offline, triggering surge pricing, then going back online to collect inflated fares.
Wait a few minutes before accepting a surge-priced ride — artificial surges typically resolve quickly.
Rideshare users
U.S.
vomit fee fraud scam
A rideshare driver falsely claims the rider vomited or damaged the vehicle and submits fabricated photo evidence to the platform, which charges a cleaning fee to the rider's account.
Take a photo of the back seat when you exit any rideshare vehicle as documentation.
Rideshare users
U.S.
phantom ride charge scam
A rider's account is charged for a ride that never took place — either through account compromise or a driver fraudulently starting and completing a trip without the passenger.
Review your rideshare ride history regularly and dispute any trips you do not recognize.
Rideshare users
U.S.
driver impersonation at airport scam
An unlicensed driver holds a sign or uses a tablet displaying a passenger's name at airport arrivals, impersonating a pre-booked car service to charge inflated rates or commit robbery.
Only use designated rideshare pickup zones and verify the driver and vehicle details in your app before entering.
Rideshare users
U.S.
inflated route rideshare scam
A rideshare driver intentionally takes a longer route to increase the fare, exploiting riders who are unfamiliar with the area or not monitoring the trip in the app.
Follow your trip in the app and speak up immediately if the driver deviates from the suggested route.
Rideshare users
U.S.
stolen credit card rider scam
Fraudsters use stolen credit card information to create rideshare accounts and book rides, leaving the cardholder with unauthorized charges and the platform with chargeback losses.
Monitor your credit card statements for unfamiliar rideshare charges and dispute them immediately.
Rideshare users
U.S.
rideshare vehicle rental scam
A scammer offers to rent a vehicle to aspiring rideshare drivers at inflated rates with predatory terms, often using a car that does not meet platform safety requirements.
Use official rideshare rental programs like Uber's vehicle marketplace or Hertz partnership instead of private listings.
Rideshare users
U.S.
mobile security app scam
A fake mobile security app on an unofficial app store or sideloaded APK claims to protect your phone but actually collects personal data, displays intrusive ads, or subscribes you to premium services.
Uninstall the app immediately and review all app permissions in your phone's settings.
Non-technical users
U.S.
fake app notification then email scam
A push notification from a malicious app warns of a security issue, followed by a phishing email with instructions to resolve it, creating a convincing multi-channel attack.
Open the official app directly from your home screen rather than clicking links in emails referencing notifications.
Online users
U.S.
Cash App Friday impersonator scam
Scammers impersonate Cash App's official social media giveaways (like #CashAppFriday), asking victims to send a small payment to 'verify' their account before receiving a larger prize that never comes.
Cash App's official giveaways never require you to send money first — any giveaway asking for payment is a scam.
Social media users
U.S.
Cash App money flip scam
Scammers promise to multiply your money through a Cash App 'flip' — send them a small amount and they will return a much larger sum. The money is never returned.
There is no legitimate way to multiply money by sending it to a stranger — this is always a scam.
Young adults
U.S.
Cash App fake customer support scam
Scammers pose as Cash App support agents on social media, phone, or fake websites, requesting login credentials, PINs, or sign-in codes to 'resolve' account issues while actually stealing account access.
Cash App support is only available through the app itself — tap the profile icon and select 'Support.' There is no official Cash App phone number for customer support.
Cash App users
U.S.
Cash App clearance fee scam
A scammer claims you have a large incoming Cash App payment that requires a clearance fee or tax payment before it can be deposited to your account — the incoming payment does not exist.
You never need to pay a fee to receive money on Cash App — this is always a scam.
Cash App users
U.S.
Cash App card skimming scam
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs and point-of-sale terminals that capture Cash App card (Cash Card) data, then use the stolen information to make unauthorized purchases or ATM withdrawals.
Inspect card readers before use — wiggle the card slot and check for anything loose or out of place.
Cash App card users
U.S.
fake Cash App boost scam
Scammers send texts or DMs offering exclusive Cash App Boosts (discount codes) that require clicking a link or sharing login credentials — the Boosts are fake and the links lead to phishing sites.
Cash App Boosts are only available within the official Cash App — never through external links or messages.
Cash App users
U.S.
Bitcoin investment via Cash App scam
Scammers recruit victims through social media to invest in Bitcoin through Cash App, promising guaranteed returns — victims either send Bitcoin directly to the scammer or lose control of their Cash App account.
No one can guarantee returns on cryptocurrency — guaranteed profit claims are always a scam.
Young adults
U.S.
Cash App fake payment screenshot scam
A buyer sends a doctored Cash App screenshot showing a completed payment, convincing the seller to hand over goods — but no actual payment was ever sent.
Never release goods based on a screenshot — always verify that the payment appears in your own Cash App activity feed.
Marketplace sellers
U.S.
Cash App account verification phishing scam
Phishing emails or texts claim your Cash App account needs identity verification to avoid suspension, directing you to a fake site that steals your login credentials, Social Security number, and banking details.
Cash App identity verification is only done within the official app — never through email links or external websites.
Cash App users
U.S.
Cash App sugar daddy scam
Scammers on social media or dating apps offer to be a 'sugar daddy' or 'sugar mommy,' sending a fake Cash App payment and then asking the victim to return a portion or pay a fee before the full amount clears.
Strangers offering free money online are always scammers — no legitimate person sends money to people they do not know.
Young adults
U.S.
Apple ID locked phishing scam
A phishing email or text claims your Apple ID has been locked due to suspicious activity, directing you to a fake Apple login page that steals your credentials.
Do not click any links — go directly to appleid.apple.com to check your account status.
iPhone users
U.S.
iCloud storage upgrade scam
A fake notification warns that your iCloud storage is full and offers a discounted upgrade, leading to a phishing page that harvests payment information.
Check your actual iCloud storage through Settings on your Apple device, not through email links.
iPhone users
U.S.
fake App Store purchase alert scam
A fraudulent email claims you made an expensive App Store purchase you did not authorize, urging you to click a cancellation link that leads to a credential-stealing site.
Check your actual purchase history in the App Store app or at reportaproblem.apple.com.
iPhone users
U.S.
fake AppleCare warranty scam
Scammers call or email claiming your AppleCare warranty is expiring, pressuring you to renew immediately through a fraudulent payment process.
Hang up on unsolicited calls about AppleCare — Apple does not make outbound warranty renewal calls.
iPhone users
U.S.
Apple gift card payment demand scam
Scammers posing as government agencies, utilities, or law enforcement demand payment via Apple gift cards, claiming it is the only way to resolve a fine, debt, or legal issue.
No legitimate organization ever demands payment in gift cards — hang up immediately.
Older adults
U.S.
FaceTime screen recording scam
Scammers initiate a FaceTime call, trick the victim into sharing sensitive information on screen, then use the recording for blackmail or identity theft.
Never share your screen on FaceTime with anyone you did not initiate the call with.
Young adults
U.S.
fake Apple support call scam
Robocalls or live callers impersonate Apple Support, claiming your iCloud account has been breached and requesting remote access to your device or payment to fix the issue.
Hang up immediately — Apple never makes unsolicited phone calls about account problems.
Older adults
U.S.
iMessage phishing link scam
A text message sent via iMessage impersonates Apple, a delivery service, or a toll agency, containing a malicious link designed to steal login credentials or install malware.
Never reply to texts from unknown senders — replying enables malicious links in iMessage.
iPhone users
U.S.
Apple Pay unauthorized charge scam
A phishing email or text claims there is an unauthorized charge on your Apple Pay account, directing you to a fake dispute page that steals your financial information.
Check your transaction history directly in the Wallet app on your iPhone — do not use links from messages.
Apple Pay users
U.S.
Find My iPhone ransom scam
After compromising an Apple ID, scammers use Find My to remotely lock the victim's iPhone or Mac and display a ransom message demanding payment to unlock it.
Contact Apple Support directly at support.apple.com with proof of ownership to regain access to your account.
iPhone users
U.S.
LinkedIn recruiter scam
Fake recruiters on LinkedIn offer dream job opportunities, then request personal information, fees for training, or install malware through fake application documents.
Verify the recruiter by checking their LinkedIn profile history and confirming their identity through the company's official website.
Job seekers
U.S.
parental control app scam
Fake parental control apps advertised to concerned parents actually contain spyware that monitors the parent's device instead, stealing banking credentials and personal data.
Only install parental control apps from established developers available in the official app stores, such as Bark, Qustodio, or Google Family Link.
Parents
U.S.
kids game in-app purchase trap
Children's mobile games use deceptive design patterns to trick children into making repeated in-app purchases, sometimes accumulating hundreds or thousands of dollars on parents' payment accounts.
Enable purchase authentication in your device settings so every in-app purchase requires a password or biometric confirmation.
Parents
U.S.
fake family GPS tracker app scam
Scammers sell fake family GPS tracking apps or devices that either do not work, send location data to the scammer, or subscribe families to expensive recurring charges.
Use established family tracking apps from known developers like Life360, Apple Find My, or Google Family Link.
Parents
U.S.
WhatsApp group investment pig butchering scam
Victims are added to WhatsApp groups posing as exclusive investment communities where fake members share fabricated profit screenshots, pressuring newcomers to invest in fraudulent platforms.
Leave immediately if you are added to a WhatsApp investment group without your consent.
Aspiring investors
U.S.
forex profit sharing pig butchering scam
Scammers recruit victims into fake forex trading partnerships where the scammer claims to manage trades and share profits, using a fraudulent platform to show fabricated gains before stealing deposits.
Verify any forex platform's regulatory status with the NFA at nfa.futures.org or the FCA at register.fca.org.uk.
Aspiring traders
U.S.
gold trading platform pig butchering scam
Scammers lure victims into investing in gold through fraudulent online trading platforms, using fake market data and fabricated profits to extract increasingly large deposits before disappearing.
Invest in gold only through established and regulated dealers listed on the CFTC or your country's financial regulator.
Retirees
U.S.
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