A top selling app on Google Play Store has been revealed to be a scam. Virus Shield was rated as the No.1 paid app before it was removed. The app was supposed to protect Android phones from viruses but it did absolutely nothing. Android Police reported that the app is supposed to tell you if your phone is secure by displaying a shield icon with the letter “X” indicating the device has been infected or a checkmark indicating the device is safe. When first installing the app, it displays the “X” mark on the icon then quickly changes to the checkmark once you tap it indicating that your device is safe. In reality the app does nothing. More than 10,000 people who downloaded this app were charged $3.99 each for nothing. The app also received an average rating of 4.7 stars on Google Play Store meaning it came highly recommended from others. Google removed the app but remains silent as to whether refunds are forthcoming.
The app appears to be an orphan since there is no developer listed on Google Play Store. However the email address has been linked to an account banned from forums for attempting to scam people. Critics of Play Store point out the security flaws saying Android’s customizable nature and operating system and Google’s open app store make this kind of scam to possible.
Breaking It Down
The problem here is that Google is sloppy with their app store. The fact that a scam app like Virus Shield was discovered indicates there is certain laziness that will certainly undermine the reputation of Google Play Store and Android. I can see a class action lawsuit coming from this. Don’t laugh. There are a few people in the legal department at Google who can’t sleep tonight. As a consumer I am asking myself; what else in that app store maybe a scam or worse a dangerous piece of malware? There are a lot black people out there with Android phones and devices. If you’re one of them it may be time to check out what you use to protect your phone or tablet. Do your homework and don’t rely completely on what is popular. I recommend Lookout. But back to Google; this company needs to change its practice of allowing any app into it’s store. Apple is fortress like when it come to its apps and although Google may not want to go that far they need to step up their security. Finding phony or dangerous apps after they are popular and have stolen customer’s money is not a good business practice. Google should never have allowed this app on its site without at least investigating its creator. This, again, is sloppy and dangerous. One day this minor embarrassment could turn into a monstrous, stock killing catastrophe. Google you’ve been warned!