Picture this: You stumbled upon an intriguing new game on the App Store. Excitedly, you download it, eager to dive into the fun. But as you start playing, something just doesn't feel right! Your screen is swamped by annoying ads, or worse, you’re constantly bombarded with OTP requests for unauthorised transactions.
Fret not! You can steer clear of these nightmares by exercising caution and doing your homework. Read on to uncover 5 invaluable tips to quickly spot a potentially shady app and avoid downloading it all together!
Read the reviews
We’re sure before you splurge on that gorgeous cashmere cardigan from Shopee or Lazada, you're meticulously combing through reviews, craving every detail and insight. It's practically second nature, right?
Well, guess what? The same principle applies before you download an app on that newly-bought iPhone 14! Just like you'd spot red flags in reviews for that cardigan, a fake app typically sports depressing ratings and a flood of negative feedback. Pay attention to those warning signs - they're trying to tell you something important!
Check the numbers
One glance at the download count can be a quick way to distinguish the real deal from the fakes. Legitimate and popular apps often have millions (or even billions) of downloads, while impostors tend to have significantly lower numbers.
But wait, there's more! Dive into the Version History for additional insights. Authentic apps maintain a detailed record of updates and improvements over time. So, don't skip this crucial step in your app-hunting journey!
Scrutinise for typos and sloppy writing
Legitimate app developers take great care to maintain a professional image. Illegitimate app developers, on the other hand, are typically not professionals. As a result, you might notice consistent spelling and grammar mistakes in their app descriptions.
For added assurance, consider checking their reviews, again. If you find multiple reviews posted verbatim by different reviewers – meaning copied word for word – they may have paid for these reviews or had employees post fake testimonials.
Look into the visuals
Keep your eyes peeled for details and don’t be deceived by a sense of false security. Just because the logos and fonts appear identical, it doesn’t necessarily mean the app is legitimate. Fake app developers invest a significant effort into making everything look legit. Therefore, take your time and always compare the visuals with those on the official website of the service provider.
Monitor battery drain and data usage
Have you ever noticed your device's battery draining much faster than usual? Or perhaps you've experienced a sudden surge in your internet data usage without any significant change in your phone habits?
Well, there could be a couple of reasons for this. If your smartphone is 5 years old or older, it's possible that the battery is simply deteriorating, however it could also be due to background activities consuming your device's resources. It's advisable to have your phone checked, as it could potentially be compromised by malware.
What to do next?
Again, picture this: You’ve recently purchased a second-hand smartphone from a seller. Upon using it, you notice an unfamiliar app already installed, and there’s persistent pop-up ads that just won’t go away! This indicates that the seller likely didn't perform a secure data wipe before selling the device to you.
If you suspect there's a sketchy app on your phone, it’s essential to remove it immediately. To ensure thorough protection, consider downloading reputable mobile security software to scan your device and eliminate any potential threats.
At Shop.CompAsia, however, we prioritise your security and peace of mind. Our professional data erasure service ensures that all personal data is completely wiped before reselling any device to you. Learn more about our comprehensive 32-step quality check by clicking here!