Our phones are packed with apps promising convenience, entertainment, and sometimes even extra cash. But with that convenience comes risk. Thousands of people in the UK fall victim to app scams every year. These scams are clever, convincing, and increasingly hard to spot.
We show you the warning signs, explain what to do if you’ve already been scammed, and share how you can take action to recover losses and hold those responsible to account.
Scammers know how much we rely on apps – and they’ve found ways to exploit that trust.
In the UK alone, consumers have lost millions to app-based scams. And the problem is only getting bigger.
These scams often look professional. They use polished branding, convincing reviews, and names that sound legitimate. That’s why knowing the warning signs – and how to avoid them – is so important.
In this guide, we provide some advice on how to spot app fraud red flags, and explain what you can do if you’ve already been caught out.
App fraud happens when a mobile application is designed or used to deceive people for financial gain or to steal sensitive information. These scams can appear in many forms – from convincing fake banking or investment apps to seemingly harmless games that quietly collect your personal data.
The goal is almost always the same: to profit at your expense. That might mean draining your bank account, locking you into costly subscription traps, selling your personal details, or even manipulating you into sending money voluntarily.
What makes app fraud especially dangerous is how convincing these apps can be. Scammers invest in slick designs, fake reviews, and professional branding to appear legitimate. They often copy the look and feel of trusted brands or hide in plain sight among genuine apps in popular app stores.
The result? Users often don’t realise they’ve been targeted until it’s too late – whether that’s through sudden unexplained charges, stolen identities, or accounts taken over by criminals.
These promise sky-high returns, often using fake celebrity endorsements to lure victims in.
Free trials that quietly convert into expensive monthly fees.
Disguised as popular services but designed to steal your passwords or banking details.
Apps that collect far more information than necessary.
Copycats mimic real brands to build trust and trick users.
Scammers use apps to convince people to transfer money directly to fraudulent accounts.
Apps that claim to offer huge discounts on big brands but deliver nothing, or send counterfeit goods.
Apps that claim you’ve “won” but require payment or personal data before you can claim your prize.
Fraudsters use dating or social apps to build fake relationships and emotionally manipulate victims into sending money or sharing sensitive information.
App fraud isn’t new, but it’s growing faster than ever. Here’s why:
The combination of these factors means that even the most careful users can be targeted. That’s why awareness – and knowing what to do if something goes wrong – is so important.
Not all fraudsters are obvious. Many apps look polished, have thousands of downloads, and even fake reviews. But dig a little deeper, and the cracks start to show. Knowing what to look for – and how to protect yourself – is your best defence.
If an app isn’t in an official app store (like Google Play or Apple’s App Store), that’s a major red flag. Dodgy apps often bypass security checks, making it easier for scammers to hide malware or malicious code inside.
Protect yourself: Stick to official app stores and avoid downloading APK files or apps from random links, social media ads, or emails.
Look out for “guaranteed” investment returns, free shopping vouchers, or games promising big cash prizes – if it sounds unrealistic, it probably is. Scammers use these hooks to lure people in quickly, before they have time to think.
Protect yourself: Be sceptical of any app that promises high returns or “instant rewards.” Research the developer and check for credible, detailed reviews rather than generic “Great app!” comments.
Some apps appear harmless, but exist to collect and sell personal data. For example, does a calculator app really need access to your contacts and location? Apps requesting unnecessary permissions are often trying to harvest your data for profit – or worse, identity theft.
Protect yourself: Always review permission requests before installing or updating an app. If something feels excessive or unrelated to the app’s purpose, don’t grant access. If you’ve already installed it, revoke permissions or delete the app entirely. Delete apps you no longer use and review your phone’s privacy settings regularly.
One of the most common scams is the “free” trial that quietly rolls into an expensive monthly subscription. Many users don’t notice the charges until their bank account takes a hit.
Protect yourself: Read the cancellation terms before signing up for a free trial. Set reminders to cancel before renewal dates and check your bank statements regularly for unexpected charges.
Legit apps clearly state who’s behind them and how to get help. If you can’t find company details, a privacy policy, or a support channel, that’s a serious warning sign.
Protect yourself: Only download apps from developers with verified contact information and an official website. For investment or financial apps, confirm the company is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Some scammers clone the look and feel of trusted brands to trick users into handing over data or money. These apps often appear in app stores under names that look almost identical to the real thing.
Protect yourself: Double-check the developer name and cross-reference the official website. Big brands usually link directly to their legitimate apps from their site or social media profiles. Also, be wary of deals that sound too good to be true. Legitimate brands use their official websites and trusted platforms for promotions, not random apps demanding upfront payment.
Push payment fraud is rising, with scammers using apps to trick users into sending money directly to fraudulent accounts – often posing as banks, retailers, or even friends.
Protect yourself: Never transfer money based on an in-app message or pop-up. If you receive a payment request, verify it through official channels using a trusted phone number or email. Emotional manipulation and requests for money in dating apps are a major red flag. Never send funds to someone you haven’t met in person.
As apps become more sophisticated, spotting a scam is getting harder. Some fake apps now look and feel just like the real thing, with slick branding and even fake customer reviews.
Fraudsters are also starting to use AI tools to create convincing content, from realistic chat responses in fake customer support apps to deepfake profiles in dating and social apps. These technologies make scams harder to detect – and easier for criminals to scale.
That’s why knowing the warning signs – and what to do if you’ve fallen victim to app fraud – is more important than ever (more on this coming up…).
The fallout from app fraud can be severe – and it doesn’t always end with losing a few quid.
This is the most obvious and immediate consequence. While some scams involve small, repeated charges that add up over time, others can wipe out your savings in one hit. Investment and banking app scams have cost victims thousands of pounds, with many struggling to recover their money.
Fraudulent apps don’t just take your cash – they often target your personal information. Names, addresses, banking details, and even passport scans can be stolen and sold on the dark web. Once your identity is compromised, it can be used to open loans, credit cards, or even commit other crimes in your name.
If criminals use your stolen details to take out credit or make fraudulent purchases, your credit score could take a major hit. This can affect your ability to get a mortgage, rent a home, or even apply for certain jobs. Repairing your credit report can take months – and in some cases, years.
Money loss is bad enough, but the psychological toll can be just as damaging. Victims often report feelings of embarrassment, guilt, anxiety, and even paranoia about using digital services again. Scammers thrive on this vulnerability, making recovery an uphill battle. Victims of romance scams often experience deep feelings of betrayal and shame, especially after forming what felt like a genuine emotional bond.
App fraud doesn’t just cost money – it erodes confidence. Many victims become hesitant to use online banking, shop through apps, or even download new tools that could genuinely improve their lives. That loss of trust impacts both consumers and legitimate businesses. Many feel isolated, believing they “should have known better” – but the reality is these scams are sophisticated and designed to trick anyone.
Falling for an app scam can be frustrating – and in some cases, financially devastating. But acting quickly can limit the damage and help you recover your losses. Here’s what to do:
Cancel any subscriptions linked to the app through your app store (Google Play or Apple App Store) and contact your bank to block further charges.
If you shared passwords, update them right away. Enable two-factor authentication on banking and email accounts to prevent further breaches.
If you believe you have fallen victim to a fraudulent/scam app, flag the app in the store where you downloaded it and report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre. This helps prevent others from becoming victims.
Take screenshots of the app, payment records, and any messages or emails. Keep a written record of what happened and how it has affected you. This includes messages from the app, receipts or costs incurred, evidence of identity theft or fraud, and notes on your emotional response (such as stress, anxiety, or lost sleep). This information will be crucial if you pursue a claim or need to dispute charges with your bank.
Sign up for alerts from credit reference agencies and keep an eye out for unusual activity. Scammers often sell stolen information on quickly.
If you’ve been a victim of app fraud, you’re not powerless. UK law and financial regulations offer some important protections:
If the fraud involved a firm regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), you can raise a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service. They can investigate and, in many cases, order the company to pay compensation if they find it at fault.
If you’ve fallen victim to an authorised push payment (APP) scam – where you were tricked into sending money to a scammer’s account – UK banks now have to reimburse victims for losses of up to £85,000 on domestic transfers. This protection does not apply to international transfers or payments involving cryptocurrency.
If an app misused your personal data, you may have grounds for action under UK GDPR. This could include claiming compensation for financial and emotional harm caused by a data breach.
If the company behind the app, a platform provider, or a payment processor failed in its duty to protect you, you might be able to join a group action or bring an individual claim for losses.
If you lost money or had your data stolen because of a fraudulent app or misleading subscription, you could be entitled to compensation.
Cases have already surfaced in the UK, targeting app developers, platform providers, and payment processors who failed to protect users. If you have experienced app fraud, don’t stay silent. You can take action to hold the organisation accountable, protect your rights, and recover what you’re owed.
At Join the Claim, we help you find out if you’re eligible to join group actions and claim compensation.
As app fraud becomes more common, many people are unsure what to do to protect themselves. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
App fraud refers to any deceptive or malicious activity carried out through a mobile app. Scammers use apps to gain access to your personal data, steal your money, or trick you into signing up for services you don’t need. And every scam erodes confidence in the apps we rely on daily.
Some of the most common types of app fraud include:
Look out for these red flags:
Report the incident to Action Fraud (the UK’s national fraud reporting centre) and flag the app in the app store. If your bank details were involved, contact your bank immediately to freeze your account and prevent further charges.
Possibly. If an app developer, platform provider, or payment processor failed to protect you or acted negligently, you may be entitled to compensation. You can search for live app fraud claims here. You might also be able to get help via the Financial Ombudsman or directly via your bank.
Nothing. Checking for claims on our platform is free. If you join a claim, the law firms we work with operate on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Yes. As more of us rely on apps for shopping, banking, and entertainment, scammers are finding new ways to exploit that trust. Some fake apps now look and feel like the real thing, making them harder to spot.
If your data was compromised, act fast. Change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your credit report for unusual activity. You may also be able to claim compensation if the company behind the app failed to safeguard your information.
App fraud can cost you money, time, and peace of mind. If you’ve fallen victim to a fraudulent app or a misleading subscription, you may be able to recover your losses and hold those responsible to account.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. While we aim to keep content accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee its completeness or reliability. Join the Claim does not provide legal representation. If you decide to pursue a claim, you will be connected with a regulated UK law firm that will advise you on your specific circumstances. Any decision to join a claim should be made after reviewing the law firm’s terms and conditions.
Last Updated: 6 August 2025
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