Report details how scammers are abusing App Store & Search Ads

Rosalie Gross | 15 June, 2017, 01:19

Apple takes a 30% cut on every purchase, from the App Store or in-app.

"For full-time developers like myself, it's such a shock and disappointment to see the wrong behavior being rewarded". Apps may add in-app purchase currencies for tipping purposes, but Apple will get 30% as commission. Unfortunately, Apple has no filter to sift through search ads as of now. He confirmed on Sensor Tower, a site that provides estimates of app revenue, that this app's estimated revenue was $80,000/month.

Lin dug deeper and found several other similar apps making money off the same scam, suggesting a wider disturbing trend, with scam apps regularly showing up in the App Store's top grossing lists. Tapping on the trial offer then threw up a Touch ID authentication prompt containing the text "You will pay $99.99 for a 7-day subscription starting Jun 9, 2017".

To be fair, search is a new frontier for Apple. Also, much like its competition, it can integrate with smart home devices to allows users to control their home electronics by talking to the speaker. Google has spent more than a decade battling people who use spammy methods to game its search engine so some learning curve is to be expected. "It seems like scammers are bidding on many other keywords".

However that's something that Apple wants to change and in the latest App Review guidelines that was updated this week, Apple will now be disallowing the use of custom prompts for app ratings. But there's still the question of how they even pass the review process.

Apple has been notoriously opaque about its review process, which has been a source of frustration to many developers over the years.

This will only allow apps to show review pop-ups three times a year, and will block apps from presenting the pop-up if you have already rated them. That's not all that unusual, particularly for an app that was created to scan your contacts to look for duplicates, but again, it's something you don't want to allow an untrustworthy app to do. To earn that amount the app would only need around 200 subscribers. And, if you do fall victim to one of these apps, obtaining a refund is as confusing as canceling your subscription in the first place. However, some social-networking apps have likened Apple's tactic to arm-twisting, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Thiem searching for secret of success against Djokovic

British Labor Party Members Celebrate Progress Achieved in Elections

15 June 2017

Rory McIlroy not happy as heavy rough is reduced for US Open
He has had big galleries for his practice rounds as the state's golf community rallies behind its favorite son. Barring a lengthy first-round rain delay, Mickelson won't be able to make his 2:20 p.m. tee time.

14 June 2017

Bill Cosby jury drills down on his deposition testimony
Camille Cosby sat stoically in the first row behind her husband of 53 years at the defence table, about 30 feet from Constand. Cosby has pleaded not guilty to three counts of aggravated indecent assault, a charge that carries up to 10 years in prison.

Watch Sony's E3 2017 Press Conference Livestream Right Here
When there are no live events, Twitch will be broadcasting replays of the day's press conferences and showcases. It even included its gameplay trailer running at sweet 4K native resolutions and 60 fps on the Xbox One X .
15 June 2017

Men Attack NYC Deli Clerk With Avocados, Bananas
The New York Police Department has identified a person of interest in an odd attack that took place at a Bronx deli. Police say the 21-year-old employee was behind the counter at the stadium gourmet deli at the time.

Zombie Survival Adventure Days Gone is Back with More In-Game Footage
From what we have seen of Deacon already, we know he's more than capable of handling himself and getting out of tough situations. You'll use explosives to break down obstacles too, freeing open access to zombies too, to the chagrin of hostile survivors.

Senate GOP, Dems agree on new sanctions on Russia
During the presidential campaign, Trump said that he was open to revisiting sanctions imposed by the Obama administration . Top Democrats and Republicans announced the deal as an attachment to an Iran sanctions bill already under consideration.
United Nations Condemns "Cruel and Inhumane" Irish Abortion Laws
An Irish woman who was denied an abortion has suffered a violation of her human rights, a United Nations committee has concluded. Ms Deely urged women who have had an abortion , either by taking pills or travelling, to seek out after-care in Ireland .

14 June 2017

Sears to cut 400 full-time jobs, mostly at corporate office
The majority of the eliminated positions are from the corporate offices at the headquarters in Hoffman Estates , Illinois. That requires the company to optimize its store footprint as well as operate an organization that is simpler and leaner.

13 June 2017

Apps Can No Longer Use Custom Review Prompts; Apple Mandates Standardized Method
Under the new rules, developers will no longer be able to display review prompts however and whenever they'd like. The tipping option is not the only changes in the new App Store policies.
15 June 2017

American Otto Warmbier Has Been Released From A North Korean Prison
Warmbier was on a New Year's Eve tour in North Korea, en route to Hong Kong, where he was to do a January study-abroad trip. The Department of State continues to have discussions with the DPRK regarding three other USA citizens reported detained.

Warriors fans celebrate National Basketball Association title with rowdy street party
And they could thank Kevin Durant for that. "I don't believe I've played for a super team ", LeBron said after his Game 5 loss. History will always note that Durant's first championship came against James . "It's fueling me inside right now", he added.

13 June 2017

Ex-NBA star Dennis Rodman to arrive in Pyongyang
And at that initial meeting Rodman said he could bring a basketball team over to play in front of the North Korean people. The President previously tweeted: "The only American who has met with the North Korean man child is Dennis Rodman ".

Thiem searching for secret of success against Djokovic Muguruza spoke afterwards of how baking helps her to relax away from the court: "I know in Wimbledon I will go to the same house". Next up against Nadal is 20th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta , who knocked off No. 5 Milos Raonic 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-7 (6), 6-4, 8-6.

Ramadan toll shows Islamic State in pitched recruiting race Following Iran's Islamic revolution in 1979, both countries discontinued diplomatic relations. Daesh claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Trump decries shooting of top Congressman, calls for unity Paul spoke with MSNBC from the baseball field, where the congressional members had been ordered to shelter in place. Mark Sanford are all safe following the shooting at a GOP Congressional baseball practice.

Pakistan win toss, opt to field against England Hitting boundaries proved hard , however, and a clearly frustrated Hales, on 13, spooned Rumman Raees to cover with a loose drive. Pakistan booked their place in the Champions Trophy final with a crushing eight-wicket win over England in Cardiff yesterday.

British Labor Party Members Celebrate Progress Achieved in Elections This loss is particularly embarrassing for May because she called for the elections three years sooner than required. But EU budget commissioner Guenther Oettinger said May was now likely to be a "weak" partner.

Germany: number of Britons granted citizenship quadruples On average, only 1.6 per cent of all applications for German citizenship that are granted come from European Union countries. Turks were the biggest group, with 16,290 becoming German - a 17.3% drop, following declines in previous years.

Trump to host new South Korean president at White House New Zealand gave about $215,000 of aid to North Korea between 2008 and 2016 via a fund administered by its embassy in Seoul . Separately, former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Dennis Rodman is expected to arrive in North Korea on Tuesday.

Why Chris Evans signed on to return for Avengers 4 The actor, who is current filming Avengers: Infinity War overseas , nodded to his dwindling contract with Marvel Studios. Captain America wasn't Evans's first superhero role, though. "That it was going to be so dominating, all-encompassing".

Turmoil for IndyCar with the pack back at repaved Texas Kiwi Scott Dixon has been involved in another IndyCar crash, this time at the Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday (NZ time). James Hinchcliffe got loose after making contact with Tony Kanaan , who appeared to move up the track into him.

Sessions to face sharp questions on Russia contacts Trump's personal lawyer also challenged Comey's account, saying the president never asked for the investigation to be dropped. On March 1, The Washington Post reported that Sessions met twice with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the campaign.

E3 2017 - Sony Unveils Social Game "That's You" Under PlayLink Platform Although the game is certainly more enjoyable played in group, it can also be completed in single player mode. Hidden Agenda is a murder mystery game which uses a new PS4 feature called Play Link.

Sheyi Ojo's frightening pace in England's World Cup triumph goes viral A beaming Calvert-Lewin said: 'It is hard to put into words what that feeling is like when the referee blew the final whistle. Praise has been heaped on Carlisle's Paul Simpson after he led his young England side to victory in the Under 20s World Cup.

Seahawks RB Eddie Lacy earns weight bonus for second time While the Seahawks have not officially announced is weight, the firm that represents Lacy confirmed he made his weight. Lacy has been participating in OTAs on a limited basis as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. "Challenges.

Sessions to appear before Senate intelligence committee Sessions had told lawmakers at his confirmation hearing in January that he hadn't met with Russians during the campaign. The deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein , will appear in place of Sessions at the budget review.

Trio detained by anti-terror police in east London following armed raids Assistant Commander Mark Rowley said: "Inquiries are ongoing to confirm the identity of their accomplice". Police said there would be "increased physical measures on London's bridges to keep the public safe".

Report details how scammers are abusing App Store & Search Ads

Recommended