Microsoft Word 2012 scam app on store

Question

Microsoft Word 2012 scam app on store

I just noticed a "Microsoft Word 2012" app on the app store while browsing AppShopper. I checked it on the store and it is obviously a scam. How did this app even make it to the store? I don't see how an app advertised as "All features of the MAC version on your device", but obviously does not makes it onto the store. I see that they creatively spelled MAC in all capital letters, as in MAC address, for example, and not Mac.

I also read on a app-dedicated website that not only this, but a "Cydia" scam app appeared on the store recently. Some readers responded to the article with the same concerns. Someone said that they are going to call Apple about this.

Are these scam apps going to become a problem with the App Store? Are they being caught fairly quickly?

Posted on Jun 17, 2012 9:25 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jun 17, 2012 9:33 AM in response to brandonmcgarvey

I also read on a app-dedicated website that not only this, but a "Cydia" scam app appeared on the store recently.

"Cydia" implies that one hacked (jailbroke) their phone. All sorts of scams can get into Cydia and Apple does not review it. People use Cydia to get apps NOT approved by Apple, and as a result: viruses, malware, scams. One of the many reasons jailbreaking is a very horrible idea.

Reply

Answer 2

Sevores

Level 1

4 points

Jun 17, 2012 12:00 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

I think he meant that an app named "Cydia" appeared on the App Store which was obviously fake. See here: http://www.idownloadblog.com/2012/06/16/fake-cydia-app-store/

Scam apps and fake reviews are becoming increasingly common, which probably means that the approval process is automated. There should be a way of reporting fake/scam apps.

Reply

Answer 3

Jun 17, 2012 12:07 PM in response to Sevores

Sevores wrote:

There should be a way of reporting fake/scam apps.

You can: If you discover that an app is a scam, open your email receipt and click the "Report a Problem" link. The app review process is not automated, but they mostly test for crashing, or if the app does not match the description. In spite of this, some apps stil squeeze through. I have seen all of two scams in my whole history searching the App Store.

Reply

Answer 4

Sevores

Level 1

4 points

Jun 17, 2012 12:22 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

Yeah, but that only works for apps that you've bought. Things like 'Microsoft Word' from 'Super Real Racing Games' for $9.99 is a pretty obvious scam, yet I can't report it.

These articles do a great job of outlining the problem and the possible solutions:

http://impending.com/2012/02/2012-the-year-scam-apps-killed-the-app-store/

http://appadvice.com/appnn/2012/02/rampant-app-store-fraud-indicates-changes-in- apples-review-policy

Reply

Answer 5

Jun 17, 2012 12:26 PM in response to Sevores

You could also submit feedback: http://apple.com/feedback/itunesapp.html

Or contact iTunes Support: http://apple.com/support/itunes/contact/ and have them forward it to the appropriate department.

Reply

Answer 6

Jun 17, 2012 1:44 PM in response to Sevores

Sevores,

App advice is where I read more about this mysterious Word 2012 app. They also mentioned the "Cydia" app that appeared recently for $.99. Apple seriously needs to be, well, serious about the approval process if they are going to keep such a closed system. If apps like this continue to slip through, everything they are trying to do with iOS and the apps will fail. iOS will be no different than Android. The hacking and scamming will come to iOS users, if it is not already here.

Just saying... I like my iPad and iPhone and the apps available for it.

Reply

Answer 7

Jun 20, 2012 9:42 PM in response to brandonmcgarvey

The app has now been pulled from the store.

Reply

Answer 8

Jun 21, 2012 6:19 AM in response to stevejobsfan0123

I figured this was something that Apple wouldn't typically approve. I wonder if they are using artificial intelligence to approve apps because there are so many being submitted. Maybe they need to hire more people to review apps.

Reply