• Forums
  • Shop
  • iPhone 13
  • AirPods Deals
  • iPad Deals
  • Best Apple Watch
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. News
Cunning

Some people are trying to scam developers out of apps and that is not OK

People are awful.
Oliver Haslam
22 Jul 2020

App StoreSource: Joe Keller / iMore

What you need to know

  • Some developers are receiving emails from people claiming to have bought their apps, but unable to use them.
  • They claim Apple won't refund them.
  • The end game is to ask for a refund via PayPal or a free app code.

While some people have it in their heads that all developers are living in mansions and driving around in high-end cars, that is very much not the case. Some do very well for themselves, but that is the exception rather than the rule. So when someone targets developers in what seems to be a widespread scam, it hurts.

PCalc developer James Thomson tweeted earlier today to warn developers about a scan he's noticed – and received multiple versions of – that ends up with someone wanting to get either a PayPal refund for an app that won't work or a free App Store code for the app in question.

Beware people saying they’ve bought your app, it’s now crashing, but they can’t get a refund from Apple.

Eventually they will ask you to refund them via PayPal, or for a promo code. It’s a scam, they didn’t buy your app.

I’ve now had the same exact same email from two people. pic.twitter.com/w23NGUlB8d

— James Thomson (@jamesthomson) July 22, 2020

Scammers claim that they bought an app but aren't able to use it. They also reckon they've reached out to Apple and been refused a refund, so it's on the developer to cough up. But, spoiler, they never bought the app in the first place.

Predictably, James isn't the only one receiving these kinds of messages.

Same. pic.twitter.com/h0ICD2GdkL

— Tanmay (@tanmays) July 22, 2020

And another.

Yep, been there, NOT done that. 😎

— Michael Simmons (@macguitar) July 22, 2020

You'd have to imagine that a ton of these emails would need to go out to developers to even begin to make this a worthwhile endeavor for scammers. But never underestimate the extent people will go to just to get something for free.

Don't scam developers, people. Or anyone, for that matter.

iOS 16 finally brings haptic keyboard feedback to your iPhone
To iOS 16 and beyond

iOS 16 finally brings haptic keyboard feedback to your iPhone

Wish you could have feedback while typing on your iPhone without bothering others around you? The new haptic keyboard feedback setting in iOS 16 is the answer.

Apple's HomePod could get an iPhone feature you use every day
Return of the OG

Apple's HomePod could get an iPhone feature you use every day

Those hoping for a revival of the OG HomePod could be in for a treat if recent reports of a return are any indication. A new report now claims that the updated HomePod will not only be more like the original smart speaker than the smaller HomePod mini, but also suggests a big iPhone feature is being added.

Five more M2-powered Macs are in the works, says well-connected journo
All the Macs

Five more M2-powered Macs are in the works, says well-connected journo

Apple already has two M2-powered machines but it's still working on getting a further five into the market, according to a new report.

Best dorm desks for students in 2022
Sit and Study

Best dorm desks for students in 2022

Space, money, and ease of use. The three major contributing factors to a student desk. Find the best ones for all three with these desks available on Amazon right now.

Keep in Touch

Sign up now to get the latest news, deals & more from iMore!

I would like to receive news and offers from other Future brands.

I would like to receive mail from Future partners.

No spam, we promise. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details without your permission.

  • News
  • App Store
  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Apple Watch
  • Mac
  • Apple TV
  • Reviews
  • How To
  • HomeKit
  • Forums

Other Categories

  • About Us
  • Newsletter
  • Fitness
  • Apps
  • Gaming
  • Deals
  • Advertising Inquiries
  • Licensing and Reprints
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Android Central
  • Windows Central
  • Thrifter
  • TechnoBuffalo
  • MrMobile
Log in or Sign up
  • t
  • f
  • y
  • i
  • r

Brightness

  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • © Future US, Inc.
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Licensing
  • External Links Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement