Don’t Download Another Scam App Until You Read This!

By Rick | TechTips.Online

Ever downloaded a free app…
Only to realize it costs $7.99 per week to keep using it?

You’re not alone.

There’s a growing scam trend in the App Store—and it’s not just shady. It’s predatory.
Apps that seem harmless, even helpful, are using deceptive pricing structures to trick you into high-cost subscriptions for basic features.

The good news? You can learn to spot them before they sucker you in.

Meet the S.C.A.M. Test

A 4-Step Shortcut to Spot App Store Traps

Before you hit download, run every app through this simple memory trick:

S.C.A.M. = Subscription • Can’t preview • App reviews • Misleading basics

S – Subscription Tiers

Head straight to the In-App Purchases section of the app listing.

If you see pricing like:

$6.99 or $9.99 per WEEK
Annual plans over $49 for basic features
Multiple confusing tiers like “Pro+”, “Ultra Elite,” etc.

Rule of thumb: If it costs more per week than Netflix, it’s not premium—it’s predatory.

C – Can’t Preview

You download the app… and boom: full-screen paywall.

No sample. No preview. Just a popup demanding a subscription. Sometimes there’s not even a visible “X” to exit.

That’s a major warning sign. Legit apps let you try the basics first. Scammy ones force payment up front.

A – App Reviews

Scroll to the reviews and switch to “Most Critical.”

Look for red flags like:

“Charged without consent”
“Trial ended before I could cancel”
“No way to exit subscription”
Dozens of 5-star reviews posted on the same day (likely fake)

Real users will sound the alarm. Always check before you commit.

M – Misleading Basics

Many scam apps pretend to offer “premium” features… that your phone already does.

Think:

Flashlight apps
QR code scanners
Wallpaper changers
Phone call recorders
Basic photo filters

If it offers a commodity feature and charges a weekly subscription, it’s not helpful—it’s hustling.

Why Does This Happen So Often?

Simple: because it works.

These apps are usually made by marketing farms, not real developers.
They target:

Seniors
Kids
People who don’t read the fine print

Apple and Google take a cut of every subscription, so unless a flood of users report abuse, these apps often stay live.

Protect Yourself in 3 Simple Steps

Run the S.C.A.M. check before downloading.
Stick with apps that offer clear pricing—ideally yearly or one-time purchases.
Report shady apps via Apple’s “Report a Problem” page.

Bonus: Use Screen Time restrictions for kids or elderly users to prevent accidental subscriptions.

Final Thoughts

If an app charges $7.99 per week to change your wallpaper…
That’s not a premium feature. That’s a hustle.

The App Store won’t protect you by default.
But now, with the S.C.A.M. test, you can.

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Drop your worst app scam story in the comments below. Or tag us at @TechTips.Online so others can avoid the same trap.

Smash that share button. Your wallet—and your friends—will thank you.

Tech Tips Online!