While App Store is definitely stricter in its apps guidelines compared to Google Play Store, a recent app has managed to infiltrate into the App Store, and it’s called “Setup for Amazon Alexa”.
The app is downloaded by many iOS users in hope of setting up their Amazon Alexa, and has managed to get over 9,400 ratings in just one week. The app is developed by One Word Software, and was ranked #6 in the Utilities category.
Fortunately this app is free of charge, hence it’s not an app that scams users’ money and does nothing. Nevertheless, the app is a scam as it doesn’t do what it’s supposed to, which is to provide essential commands and teach users how to correctly setup their Alexa. Instead, once users are in the app, it requires the user’s IP address, the device’s serial number and a name.
Image credit: 9to5Mac
This means that even though the app might not be scamming users’ money, the app can actually hack the users’ IP address and get data such as browser information and location data. Reviews also show that users are very dissatisfied with how unstable and complicated the app is, which caused many 1-star ratings.
The developer also have two other shady apps in App Store, one called “Marketplace – Buy/Sell” whereas the other is called “Any Font for Instagram” that costs $0.99. Either way, it’s best to steer clear of all the apps made by the developer for now. Also, if you’re looking to setting up your Alexa, make sure that you’re downloading the official app that is developed by AMZN Mobile LLC.