A Vietnamese-based iPhone app developer hacked the iTunes app store over the fourth of July weekend and swindled hundreds of iPhone users out of hundreds of dollars. The developer, Thuat Nguyen, violated Apple’s developer Program License Agreement, including fraudulent purchase patterns.
Apple released a public statement in which it advised customers to contact their financial institution in the event their credit cards and iTunes passwords were stolen.
If you lost money to this scheme, you should inquire about issuing a chargeback of the amount of the unauthorized charges. If your card has been used without your permission, you should get a new card with a different number without changing the entire account, which could negatively impact your credit score. You should also place a fraud alert on your credit report by notifying Equifax, Experian or TransUnion.
Avoid downloading apps from shady developers with these three steps:
- Know your developer – Ensure the websites attached to the application are active, especially when downloading apps from unfamiliar developers. An inactive website often indicates a fraudulent application. Inactive websites also mean you can’t contact the developer if something does go wrong with the app and you can’t see updates, which will leave the app outdated an broken over the long term.
- Monitor your iTunes account – Review your purchase history often and click on the date of any purchases in question to see a detailed breakdown of the applications charged to your account that day. Click on the “Report a Problem” button at the bottom of the page if you think there are unauthorized charges. You should also periodically update your iTunes password.
- Watch out for in-app purchases – Keep your eye on the cost of in-app purchases, even if the app is legitimate. Many apps charge high prices for additional content or virtual goods, especially iPhone games.
To report any fraudulent activity on iTunes, call (800) 282-0515 or file a complaint at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/Complaint.
Links:
iTunes Hacked: What to do if you were affected – BBB
Apple gives alleged iTunes hacker the boot – PC World