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Multiple applications have been uncovered that have been imitating legitimate ChatGPT-based chatbots to scam users and overcharge them. Known as Fleeceware, these apps take advantage of app store policy loopholes and coercive tactics to overcharge users for AI assistants.
The apps are prevalent on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. The 'free versions' have near-zero functionality and multiple ads which then ultimately coerce users into subscriptions that can cost hundreds of dollars.
The way these apps were designed is to offer users minimal usage upon the end of the free trial aiming that unsuspecting users will delete the app after the end of the free trial and not realise that they are still on a weekly, monthly subscription plan.
"Scammers have and always will use the...