Sophos, a cybersecurity firm, recently found that multiple apps, masquerading as legitimate chatbots based on the ChatGPT AI algorithm, are secretly charging users and bringing in thousands of dollars per month. Sophos labeled this type of scheming as ‘fleeceware’, which are fraudulent apps attempting to stay within the generous App Store and Google Play limits.
These fake apps employ coercive tactics and social engineering methods to force users to make expensive subscription plans when the same service is available free of cost elsewhere. Sophos identified suspected cases where developers are asking up to $ 70 per year for an AI assistant which is based on ChatGPT’s algorithm. Further, they use intrusive advertisements and other features to make the free version inefficient, prompting customers to pay for the subscription.
Sophos is a cybersecurity firm headquartered in London and is specialized in providing antivirus and security software. Founded in 1985, it has grown considerably since then and the latest report on ‘fleeceware’ is yet another addition to their exhaustive corporate profile. Further, Peter Mackenzie, the Vice president and general manager of Sophos Home for Sophos, revealed the findings on Twitter and revealed the outrageous nature of these fraudulent schemes.
The report concluded that these fake apps are exploiting customers for financial gain and hence should be avoided. Sophos also provided a few tips to prevent users from falling for these apps and also suggested removing the apps that seem suspicious and uninstall them after confirming their legitimacy.
