The trustworthiness of Apple’s App Store is being called into question once again, as RockAuto, an auto parts dealer, is outraged that a fake app posing as its official one has not been removed despite multiple complaints to Apple. Customers began reporting “annoying ads” in RockAuto’s app, which surprised the company since it does not actually have an app. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that someone had created an app using RockAuto’s logo and company information, but with misspellings and unprofessional graphics commonly associated with phishing schemes.
The fake app on the App Store is easily mistaken for the real one due to its deceptive appearance. The images used in the app show a truck with the word “Heading” across it, as if a template was quickly thrown together and left unfinished. Furthermore, despite being titled “RockAuto” on the App Store, the app itself refers to itself as “RackAuto” throughout its description. To make matters worse, the app claims to prioritize customer privacy and security, assuring users that their data is securely stored and encrypted. However, given the nature of this app, these promises are highly unlikely to be true.
This issue is concerning not only because it has the potential to deceive RockAuto’s customers, but also because it undermines Apple’s claims about the App Store being a trusted and secure marketplace. Apple takes a percentage of developers’ in-app purchase transactions, arguing that it ensures customer safety and privacy. However, cases like this demonstrate that bad actors can easily infiltrate Apple’s own app marketplace.
RockAuto has made numerous requests to Apple to remove the fake app, all through proper channels, but they have been ignored so far. The company has also shared documentation with TechCrunch to support their claims. Interestingly, RockAuto stumbled upon our coverage of a similar situation involving LastPass, a password manager. LastPass faced a similar scheme with a fake app on the App Store, which remained live for weeks until LastPass publicly warned its customers and received press coverage.
Apple has not responded to requests for comment regarding the situation with RockAuto. It appears that Apple’s communication with RockAuto has been unsatisfactory as well. The company’s customer service manager initially reached out to Apple but received no response. RockAuto’s president, Jim Taylor, then stepped in but only received automated replies directing them to use an online form and provide screen prints of the app store listing and trademark registration, despite having already done so. Despite multiple submissions and efforts from RockAuto, the fake app remains live on the App Store.
This case raises concerns about Apple’s responsiveness to complaints from developers and the effectiveness of their processes for removing fraudulent apps. It also highlights the potential risks that customers face when conducting business through the App Store, even with Apple’s claims of prioritizing safety and privacy. The lack of action in this instance undermines Apple’s arguments against regulatory measures like the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which seek to address issues of competition and consumer protection within app marketplaces. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for platforms like the App Store to maintain their integrity and protect both developers and users from fraudulent activities.