Security News > 2023 > May > Scammers exploit AI trend with fake ChatGPT apps on Google Play, Apple App Store

These apps have popped up in the Google Play and Apple App Store.
"Scammers have and always will use the latest trends or technology to line their pockets. ChatGPT is no exception. With interest in AI and chatbots arguably at an all-time high, users are turning to the Apple App and Google Play Stores to download anything that resembles ChatGPT," said Sean Gallagher, principal threat researcher, Sophos.
In some cases, as with the app "Chat GBT," the developers played off the ChatGPT name to improve their app's ranking in the Google Play or App Store.
These apps are often poorly written and implemented, meaning app function is often less than ideal even after users switch to the paid version.
They also inflate their ratings in the app stores through fake reviews and persistent requests of users to rate the app before it's even been used or the free trial ends.
For users who have already downloaded these apps, they should follow the App or Google Play store's guidelines on how to "Unsubscribe." Simply deleting the fleeceware app will not void the subscription.
News URL
https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2023/05/17/fake-chatgpt-apps-google-play-apple-app-store/
Related news
- Google Gemini AI is getting ChatGPT-like Scheduled Actions feature (source)
- Google takes on Cursor with Firebase Studio, its AI builder for vibe coding (source)
- Google's AI video generator Veo 2 is rolling out on AI Studio (source)
- ⚡ Weekly Recap: Windows 0-Day, VPN Exploits, Weaponized AI, Hijacked Antivirus and More (source)
- ChatGPT 4.1 early benchmarks compared against Google Gemini (source)
- Google blocked over 5 billion ads in 2024 amid rise in AI-powered scams (source)
- Phishers Exploit Google Sites and DKIM Replay to Send Signed Emails, Steal Credentials (source)
- ⚡ Weekly Recap: Critical SAP Exploit, AI-Powered Phishing, Major Breaches, New CVEs & More (source)
- Ex-NSA cyber-boss: AI will soon be a great exploit coder (source)
- Google Rolls Out On-Device AI Protections to Detect Scams in Chrome and Android (source)