WHAT IS FLEECEWARE?
Apps that charge users even after the apps are uninstalled or that charge users a different price than originally stated are referred to as "fleeceware" apps. Popular fleeceware apps include, but certainly are not limited to, flashlight apps, horoscope apps, and barcode scanners. They exist in both Apple and Google app stores, and they can be hard to spot. They're not looking to take your data or conduct ad fraud from your device.
App developers can create "trial periods" for the apps they make available in the Apple and Google app stores. App developers are also allowed to define the steps a user needs to take in order to cancel a subscription. Therefore, simply uninstalling an app from your device may not cancel the associated charge/subscription. You may need to follow a very convoluted process in order to cancel the trial before being charged.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BEING FLEECED
- Stick to using apps from well known app developers.
- Check the ratings and reviews for apps before you download. Sometimes developers will inflate reviews to seem more popular.
- Review your app subscriptions regularly to ensure you are not paying for an unwanted subscription.
- For Android Users:.
- Open the Play Store.
- Check if you're signed in to the correct Google Account.
- Tap the hamburger menu icon then tap Subscriptions.
- Pick the subscription you want to cancel.
- Tap Cancel subscription.
- Follow the instructions.
- For iOS users:
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap your name, then tap Subscriptions.
- Tap the subscription that you want to manage. (If you are unable to locate the subscription, Apple has some additional instructions to help here.)
- Choose a different subscription option, or tap Cancel Subscription. (If the subscription has already been cancelled, it won't renew and you won't see the option to Cancel Subscription.)
As always, the BLACKCLOAK Team is here to help. If you have any questions, email us at ask@blackcloak.io.
Thanks!
The BLACKCLOAK Team
