Freecash Scandal Exposed: How a Rewards App Scammed its Way to the Top of App Stores

A recent report by TechCrunch has exposed a rewards app called Freecash, which has been accused of using deceptive marketing tactics to collect sensitive data from its users. The app, which promised users cash for scrolling through TikTok, has been removed from the Apple App Store after a ban.

Freecash was marketed as a way to make money just by scrolling through TikTok, and it quickly rose to the top of the app stores in recent months, peaking at the No. 2 position in the U.S. App Store. However, a cybersecurity company called Malwarebytes has accused the app of collecting information about users' race, religion, sex life, sexual orientation, health, and other biometrics.

According to a Malwarebytes report, the app may collect a heaping amount of sensitive data, including users' biometrics, and match game developers with users who are willing to install and spend money on mobile games. The app has been accused of using bots to drive traffic and engaging in bait-and-switch tactics, which is a clear violation of Apple's App Store Review Guidelines.

Freecash's growth sent the app into the No. 2 position on the U.S. App Store, where it continued to hold a top 5 spot nearly every day since January 8th. However, the app's downloads have since been declining, with current estimates putting it on track for around 3 million installs in April.

So, how did Freecash manage to scam its way to the top of the app stores? According to a report by Appfigures, the app was created under two different developer accounts. The first version of the app was submitted to the Apple App Store on March 24, 2024, but it was removed after around two months. The current Freecash app is listed under a different developer ID and has been accused of using another developer to re-enter the App Store after a ban.

Using another developer to re-enter the App Store after a ban is a common tactic, but it's a clear violation of Apple's App Store Review Guidelines. The company's spokesperson declined to comment about its earlier app takedown, but it's clear that Freecash's growth was not organic.

• Freecash was marketed as a way to make money just by scrolling through TikTok
• The app quickly rose to the top of the app stores in recent months, peaking at the No. 2 position in the U.S. App Store
• Malwarebytes has accused the app of collecting information about users' race, religion, sex life, sexual orientation, health, and other biometrics
• The app may collect a heaping amount of sensitive data, including users' biometrics, and match game developers with users who are willing to install and spend money on mobile games
• Freecash's growth sent the app into the No. 2 position on the U.S. App Store, where it continued to hold a top 5 spot nearly every day since January 8th

Apple has since removed Freecash from the App Store for violations of its rules on misleading marketing. However, the app is still listed in the Google Play store, where it has a 4.7-star rating. According to a report by TechCrunch, users should report apps they believe are engaging in scams or fraud via the reportaproblem.apple.com website.

"Our apps are fully compliant with the Apple App Store and Google Play Store policies, as demonstrated by the fact that they are live and regularly pass platform reviews," an email from Almedia PR manager James Law, signed "Almedia Press Office," noted. "We do not comment on internal product strategy regarding specific app listings.\