We have kept saying that Android apps are one of the most vulnerable out there, more than any other platform. There are various reasons and one of them is the number of Android devices as well as the open-source nature of Android.
Since Android is open-source, anyone and everyone can build apps for the OS and there are no guidelines to it unless you want to list it on the Google Play Store. Therefore, this increases the chances of adding malware inside Android apps since you can install the apps or get them installed from anywhere.
Now, a report has emerged regarding ‘fleeceware’ Android apps that have been found. These apps are something that will not harm your phone or its security in any form. These apps will also not have malware or adware inside them. Instead, the apps work on the technique of overcharging users using their paid subscription plans.
Basically, these apps will first let you use the trial period with full advantages of the app which typically lasts for 3 days only. Once the trial period ends, the interesting tactics of these app’s developers come into the light. Because even if you are aware that the trial period has ended and you want to cancel it, you can’t.
Yes, there is no way that a user can opt-out of purchasing the apps which means that you are forced to buy them and the Google Play Store automatically deducts the amount from your card. Now, we know that there is an option to get chargeback amount via credit cards but the process is tedious.
So instead of going through that pain, you should not install those Android apps in the first place. Also, the problem is that they charge way more than they are required to which is a dead giveaway that they are scamming users. For example, a simple GIF maker app would charge you $99.99 just for a month of usage which is 20x the price Google charges you for its Play Pass service.