Have You Been Fleeced?

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I remember a time when cell phones were only used for making calls. As time progressed, cell phones became smartphones with the capability to accomplish so much more than reaching out to “touch” someone. These days, with the addition of mobile apps that take advantage of cameras, texting capabilities and video chats, our phones have transformed into powerful tools for everything from managing finances to playing games. With this convenience, however, comes a new threat; a sneaky type of scam known as fleeceware. 

So, what is Fleeceware?

The term “fleeceware” was coined by Sophos, a security software and hardware company and refers to mobile apps (both Android and iOS) that charge exorbitant subscription fees for services that are typically available for free or at a much lower cost, and that may already be installed on your phone. Unlike traditional malware, fleeceware does not necessarily harm your device or steal your data. Instead, they exploit you through deceptive marketing and subscription practices. These apps often offer a “free trial” period, after which they automatically charge exorbitant fees without providing adequate notice to you or easy ways to cancel the subscription. They are primarily found in legitimate app stores, including Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. They disguise themselves as useful tools or entertaining apps, such as photo editors, horoscope apps, or fortune-telling apps. Once installed, they lure you into signing up for a free trial, which very quickly converts into a costly subscription.

How to Spot Fleeceware

Identifying fleeceware can be challenging since these apps are often designed to appear legitimate, however, there are several red flags that can help you spot them:

1. High Subscription Fees: Fleeceware apps often charge exorbitant fees for their services. Be wary of apps that ask for a high subscription fee, especially if similar services are available for free or at a lower cost.
2. Short Free Trial Periods: Many fleeceware apps offer a very short free trial period, sometimes only a few days. This is designed to catch you off guard and quickly transition you into a paid subscription.
3. Overly Positive Reviews: Be cautious if an app has an overwhelming number of positive reviews that seem generic or suspicious. Some fleeceware apps use fake reviews to boost their ratings.
4. Limited Functionality During Trial: Fleeceware apps often offer limited functionality during the free trial, prompting you to subscribe to access the full features. If an app seems to be withholding basic functions, it could be fleeceware.
5. Difficulty Cancelling Subscription: One of the hallmarks of fleeceware is the difficulty in canceling the subscription. If an app makes it hard to find the cancelation option or requires multiple steps to unsubscribe, it’s likely a fleeceware.

How to Recover from Fleeceware

If you think you’ve fallen victim to a fleeceware app, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage and prevent further charges:

1. Cancel the Subscription: The first step is to cancel the subscription immediately. On Android, go to the Google Play Store, tap on your profile picture, select “Payments & subscriptions,” and then “Subscriptions.” Locate the fleeceware app and cancel the subscription. On iOS, open the Settings app, tap your name, select “Subscriptions,” find the fleeceware app, and cancel it.
2. Request a Refund: Navigate to the respective app store’s support page, explain your situation, and request a refund.
3. Report the App: Report the fleeceware app to the app store. On Google Play Store, you can report an app by visiting the app’s page, scrolling down to the bottom, and selecting “Flag as inappropriate.” You can report a problem directly through your purchase history on the App Store.
4. Review Your Payment Methods: Check your credit card or bank statements for any unauthorized charges. If you find any, contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charges and potentially block future transactions from the fleeceware app.
5. Install a Trusted Security App: Consider installing a reputable mobile security app. These apps can help detect and block malicious applications, including fleeceware. (Some carriers may even offer this as part of your package.)

Fleeceware is a deceptive and costly threat in the world of mobile apps. Although Google and Apple have changed or tightened their policies to address fleeceware apps, being vigilant and aware of the signs, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these predatory practices.