Apple Halts $7 Billion in App Store Fraud

Apple’s App Store security measures have significantly impacted the digital commerce landscape, preventing over $7 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions from 2020 to 2023. In 2023 alone, $1.8 billion in fraudulent activities were thwarted. This Apple news article delves into Apple’s strategies and achievements in maintaining a secure digital environment.

Key Figures and Milestones

• $7 Billion in Fraudulent Transactions Blocked: From 2020 to 2023, Apple prevented over $7 billion in fraudulent transactions, with $1.8 billion in 2023 alone.
• Stolen Credit Cards and Fraudulent Accounts: Apple blocked more than 14 million stolen credit cards and banned over 3.3 million accounts from further transactions.
• Rejected Apps: In 2023, over 1.7 million app submissions were rejected for failing to meet Apple’s standards for privacy, security, and content.
• Developer and Customer Accounts Terminated: 118,000 developer accounts were terminated (down from 428,000 the previous year), and more than 91,000 developer enrollments were rejected for fraud concerns. Additionally, 153 million fraudulent customer accounts were blocked, and nearly 374 million developer and customer accounts were terminated.
• Illegitimate Apps and Pirate Storefronts: Apple detected and blocked 47,000 illegitimate apps on pirate storefronts and prevented almost 3.8 million attempts to install or launch apps illicitly distributed through the Enterprise Program.

Stringent App Review and Developer Account Actions

In 2023, over 1.7 million app submissions were rejected for not meeting Apple’s privacy, security, and content standards. Additionally, 118,000 developer accounts were terminated, a significant decrease from 428,000 the previous year, thanks to new measures preventing the creation of fraudulent accounts. Over 91,000 developer enrollments were also rejected due to fraud concerns.

Blocking Fraudulent Accounts and Illegitimate Apps

Apple blocked more than 153 million fraudulent customer accounts and terminated close to 374 million developer and customer accounts. The company detected and blocked 47,000 illegitimate apps on pirate storefronts and stopped nearly 3.8 million attempts to install or launch apps illicitly distributed through the Enterprise Program.

App Review Team’s Efforts

The App Review team reviewed 6.9 million app submissions in 2023, helping 192,000 developers publish their first apps on the App Store. The team also worked to block an increasing number of apps that initially appeared non-harmful but later transformed into pirate movie streaming platforms or illegal gambling apps.

Tackling Social Engineering and Bait and Switch Apps

Apple identified and removed financial service apps involved in complex social engineering efforts to defraud users. A total of 40,000 apps were pulled for bait and switch activities, 38,000 apps were rejected for undocumented or hidden features, and 375,000 apps were rejected for privacy violations.

EU Regulation and App Distribution

The report follows changes in the European Union allowing for app installations outside the App Store, bypassing some app review processes. While apps from alternative marketplaces or websites must undergo a safety notarization process, Apple does not check their content, warning that downloading apps outside the App Store may expose users to scams, fraud, and privacy risks.