Mobile apps that have a free trial for a short period of time are called flickware. In the past, these apps have earned a lot of money from downloaders. These apps charge huge subscription fees from the users and many times the users are not even aware of it. These apps target users who do not have a specific knowledge about the subscription model. The charge is also charged for the subscription, when the users have deleted the app.
Actually, if a user does not cancel the subscription while deleting the app, then the charge is charged from them.
Avast revealed in the report
Hundreds of apps generate around $ 400 million in revenue from this one trick. This amount in Indian rupees is about 2897 crores. You will find these apps on Apple and Google’s Play Store. Security solution company Avast has given information about this in one of its reports.
Avast’s team has detected 204 such mobile apps. Of these, 134 apps are on Apple’s App Store, while 70 apps are on Google Play Store. They have been installed 500 million times. These apps initially work as a trial. Later charge the subscription. Some apps charge up to $ 3,432 annually from users i.e. up to Rs 2.48 lakh.
This cybersecurity firm said that this happens very rarely when a user pays such a huge amount for an application. Especially when they have the option of these apps very cheaply. These apps are applications such as palm reaing, camera filters, image reading and musical instruments.
What methods do these apps use to trap users?
These apps have been downloaded billions of times and are considered extremely attractive to most developers. Actually, even a small portion of people who install these apps earn hugely from these apps.
These apps force people to download with interesting themes and breathtaking advertisements. By the time the user gets to know, a lot of money has been recovered through these apps.
These apps promote on popular social networks
Flickware apps employ a variety of tactics to advertise and promote apps. You can easily find advertisements of these apps on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TicketLock. Once a user taps on the advertisement of these apps, they are redirected to the marketplace of the App Store or Play Store.
The profile rating of these apps is usually 4 or 5 stars. Most ratings are fake. Due to the large number of fake reviews, the correct reviews are not given much attention. This confuses the users and increases the possibility that they download the app.
What is the way to avoid it?
Avast has suggested to the users that they should be alert and cautious towards such apps. Especially apps that have the option of a week-long trial. Users should also pay attention to the ‘In-App Purchase’ section of these apps. Also, one must also know about the terms and conditions of using the application. Your child should not use such apps in such a mistake, for this the parents or guardian should ensure that the payment data is protected with a password or biometric check.
