PROJECT: PRACTICAL GUIDE ON HOW TO CHECK IF AN APP IS A SCAM OR FRAUD
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The number of fraudulent apps targeting unsuspecting users continues to grow as digital technology develops.
Scam apps often disguise themselves as legitimate loan, investment, finance, shopping, or entertainment platforms, thereby preying on people’s need for convenience, fast money, or free offers.
These apps steal personal information, drain your bank accounts or lock you into costly scams.
It has become critical for every smartphone user to know how to identify fraudulent apps before falling victim. Read our previous project for more context:
CHECK THE APP NAME AND DEVELOPER:
Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Find out who published the app (the developer’s name).
If it is something unfamiliar like “XYZ App Holdings Pvt LTD”, Google the name.
Legitimate apps are usually developed by companies or developers that are easy to verify.
READ REVIEWS AND RATINGS:
Scroll through the app reviews.
Look out for comments such as: “I lost my money”, “It won’t let me withdraw”, “Fake app”.
Check the rating as well — any rating below 3 stars is a red flag.
INSPECT THE DOWNLOAD COUNT:
Trusted apps usually have thousands or millions of downloads.
If the app has only a few hundred or a couple of thousand installs, it may be suspicious or newly created to target unsuspecting users.
CHECK APP PERMISSIONS:
Before installing, check which permissions the app asks for.
If a loan, investment, or finance app asks for:
Contacts.
Camera.
Location.
Messages are a major red flag — it could be spying, blackmailing, or harvesting your data.
SEARCH ONLINE:
Type the name of the app together with these keywords:
“scam”.
“review”.
“complaints”.
“legit or fake”.
You will usually find results on forums, Facebook, Reddit, or scam alert sites if others have been scammed.
CHECK FOR A WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE:
Real apps have a proper, secure website with:
Company registration details.
Clear contact information.
Social media pages with real followers and recent, authentic posts.
Scam apps often lack this, or their website looks unprofessional, vague, or suspicious.
SEE IF THEY ARE REGISTERED IN SOUTH AFRICA:
If it is a finance, loan, crypto, or investment app, check if the company is registered with the FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority): Search for the company name at https://www.fsca.co.za
If it is not listed, proceed with extreme caution.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES:
Ask yourself:
Is it offering money for nothing?
Are they pushing you to act urgently?
Do they ask for upfront payment?
Do they promise guaranteed returns?
If you answer yes to any of these, it is almost certainly a scam.
Your phone is your personal vault - guard it as you would your wallet.
Never download apps you cannot verify and never give out personal or financial information via untrusted apps.
It is easy to be tempted by apps promising quick money, guaranteed returns, or exclusive services.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Your personal safety, financial security, and digital privacy are far more valuable than the empty promises of an app.
Always take a moment to verify apps before downloading them.
It is better to be cautious than to fall victim to a scam.
Stay alert, stay informed, and protect yourself from mobile fraud.
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Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
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