Beware of Fake ChatGPT Apps to Protect Yourself from Scammers, Know Here

If you installed a ChatGPT app on your phone recently, please uninstall it right away.

These apps are fake and made by scammers to trick people.

OpenAI has just released an official ChatGPT app for iOS, and an Android version will be available soon.

This confirms that all the previous ChatGPT apps on app stores were fake and created by scammers.

In fact, there are reports of thousands of these fake ChatGPT apps online, making money by deceiving users.

Fleeceware Apps

A report claims that certain apps are tricking and overcharging people by using a technology called ChatGPT to create chatbots.

Cybersecurity company Sophos found free apps on Google Play and the Apple App Store that mimic ChatGPT but bombard users with ads and offer little functionality.

These apps aggressively persuade users into expensive subscriptions without full awareness, earning them the term "fleeceware."

Exploiting users' interest in AI and chatbots, these deceptive apps use aggressive advertising strategies to lure people into subscribing.

Unmasking Apps

The report investigates five fleeceware apps claiming to be based on ChatGPT's algorithm.

One app, "Chat GBT," exploits the ChatGPT name to boost rankings and charges $10-$70 (approximately Rs. 800 to Rs. 5,830) per year.

Another app, Genie, charges $7 per week or $70 per year (approximately Rs. 850 to Rs. 5,830), accumulating $1 million in revenue in the previous month.

Protecting Yourself from Fraudulent Apps

Although some of the mentioned ChatGPT fleeceware apps have been removed, new ones continue to appear, and more may come in the future.

The best defense against these scams is awareness.

Users should recognise the existence of these fraudulent apps and exercise caution by carefully reviewing subscription details before committing to any service.

By staying informed and vigilant, users can protect themselves from becoming victims of these deceptive practices.