deceptive practices Archives

AppWizard

December 20, 2025

Anonymous messaging app NGL was acquired by ‘earnphone’ startup Mode Mobile

NGL was acquired by Mode Mobile, a company that monetizes user engagement through advertisements. NGL gained popularity in late 2021 but faced controversy for fostering bullying and employing questionable growth hacking strategies, including sending automated misleading messages. The FTC banned NGL's availability to minors after a two-year investigation and fined the app million for deceptive practices. Following the acquisition, the remaining three employees of NGL will join Mode Mobile. Mode Mobile has developed the “EarnPhone,” which allows users to earn money through everyday activities but relies heavily on advertising revenue. The specific terms of the acquisition are undisclosed.

AppWizard

October 22, 2025

Meta rolls out warnings to help protect older WhatsApp and Messenger users from scams

Online scams are evolving, particularly on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger, with older individuals being especially vulnerable. In response, Meta is implementing new warning systems in its messaging applications during Cybersecurity Awareness Month to encourage users to be cautious. On WhatsApp, users will receive warnings when attempting to share their screens with unknown contacts during video calls, aimed at preventing sensitive information disclosure. Meta is also promoting Security Checkup and Privacy Checkup tools, along with encouraging the use of Passkeys to enhance security. For Messenger, Meta is testing advanced scam detection features that alert users about potential scams from new contacts and allow users to submit messages for AI reviews. Users will receive details on identified scams and suggested actions. Meta is collaborating with various organizations, including the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, to combat fraud targeting older adults and share resources for investigations. Additionally, Meta has partnered with Match Group to dismantle fraudulent Facebook Groups posing as dating support services. They have provided tips for older adults to avoid scams, including being cautious with unsolicited communications, consulting trusted individuals before acting, and using official customer service channels for assistance.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

ProSpy and ToSpy: New spyware families impersonating secure messaging apps

ESET researchers have identified two Android spyware campaigns, Android/Spy.ProSpy and Android/Spy.ToSpy, targeting users of secure messaging apps like Signal and ToTok. These spyware families are distributed through deceptive websites and social engineering tactics, requiring manual installation from unofficial sources. The ProSpy campaign, operational since 2024, uses fraudulent websites to distribute malicious APKs disguised as a Signal Encryption Plugin and ToTok Pro, particularly targeting users in the UAE. The ToSpy campaign, discovered in June 2025, also targets users in the UAE, utilizing fake distribution sites impersonating the ToTok app. Both spyware types request access to contacts, SMS messages, and files, exfiltrating sensitive data in the background. ESET advises users to be cautious when downloading apps from unofficial sources.

AppWizard

September 27, 2025

Kids growing up with ‘Minecraft’ and ‘Fortnite’ are particularly…

Concerns about the impact of video gaming on mental health include increased anxiety, depression, eye strain, and obesity. Certain popular games like Minecraft and Fortnite may expose children to gambling-related behaviors through features such as loot boxes, which can influence young minds and predispose them to gambling. Young men are particularly at risk due to the development of their prefrontal cortex, with a recent poll showing that 10% of men aged 18 to 30 exhibit signs of a gambling problem compared to 3% in the general population. The Entertainment Software Rating Board has introduced a warning label for games with gambling-like features, but critics argue this is insufficient. Epic Games settled with the Federal Trade Commission for million over allegations of deceptive practices related to loot boxes. Parents are advised to avoid normalizing gambling, monitor competitive behavior, watch for financial red flags, be vigilant about gaming habits, and observe changes in attitude in their children.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

Opera Accuses Microsoft Of Dirty Tactics To Thwart Competition In Browser Wars

Opera has lodged a formal complaint against Microsoft with Brazil's anti-trust authority, CADE, alleging unfair practices that favor Microsoft's Edge browser over competitors. The complaint claims Microsoft influences PC manufacturers to pre-install Edge as the default browser and employs "manipulative design tactics" that make it difficult for users to switch to other browsers. Opera highlights issues such as intrusive banners discouraging downloads of alternative browsers and automatic redirection to Edge for PDFs and email links. Opera is urging regulators to stop these practices and implement a fair browser selection screen. Previous attempts to classify Edge as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act were unsuccessful.

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Opera throws Microsoft to Brazil’s watchdogs for promoting Edge as your default browser — “Microsoft thwarts‬‭ browser‬‭ competition‬‭‬‭ at‬‭ every‬‭ turn”

A 2024 report commissioned by Mozilla alleges that Microsoft employs misleading user interfaces and advertising tactics to promote its Edge browser, disadvantaging third-party browsers like Firefox. Mozilla has called for regulatory intervention against these practices. The European Commission designated Microsoft's services—Bing, Windows, LinkedIn, and Edge—as "gatekeeper services" in 2024, giving Microsoft six months to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) or face fines. Microsoft contends that Edge and Bing do not qualify as gatekeepers and were exempted from DMA regulation after an investigation. Opera has filed a complaint against Microsoft in the EU Courts, which may prompt a reevaluation of Edge’s status under the DMA. In response to regulatory changes, Microsoft announced measures in June to align Windows 11 with DMA requirements, including reducing the emphasis on its own applications like Edge.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

How PC makers exploited BIOS copyright strings to unlock trial software during the Windows 95 era

Microsoft veteran Raymond Chen recounted issues during the development of Windows 9x, particularly regarding software copyright violations among PC manufacturers. The Windows 95 team aimed to ensure compatibility with various PCs, discovering a BIOS string "Not Copyright Fabrikam Computer" while examining firmware. In the early 1990s, branded PCs often had preinstalled software that unlocked premium features based on specific BIOS strings. Some manufacturers, like the fictional "Contoso," manipulated these strings to bypass licensing fees, which was likely illegal. The developers faced challenges retrofitting Plug and Play technology onto older systems while navigating these deceptive practices.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

Beware! This Android ad scam is targeting 2.5M users monthly

A sophisticated ad fraud scheme called Kaleidoscope is affecting over 2.5 million Android devices each month, with India accounting for 20% of the total impacted devices. Other countries experiencing the effects include Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The scheme spreads through unofficial app stores and direct download links shared on social media and messaging platforms.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Days after the Signal leak, the Pentagon warned the app was the target of hackers

A Pentagon advisory warns against using the messaging application Signal for any communications, even unclassified ones, due to a vulnerability exploited by Russian hacking groups. This follows an incident where a journalist was inadvertently included in a Signal chat about military operations in Yemen. The advisory, dated March 18, indicates that Signal is not authorized for processing or storing non-public unclassified information, despite previous guidance allowing its use for unclassified accountability exercises. A 2023 Department of Defense memo also prohibited using mobile applications for controlled unclassified information. The accidental inclusion of a journalist in sensitive discussions is termed “spillage,” which can endanger military careers. Signal's spokesman stated that the memo does not reflect concerns about the app's inherent security but emphasizes vigilance against phishing attacks.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google rolls out new AI-powered scam detection feature in Messages app

Google Messages has introduced several new features for Android and Pixel users, focusing on user safety and connectivity. Key updates include an AI-driven scam detection tool that analyzes SMS, MMS, and RCS messages in real time to identify potential scams, alerting users to suspicious messages. This feature is initially available in English in the US, UK, and Canada, and it prioritizes user privacy by processing data on the device. Users can also share their live location with trusted contacts through a new feature integrated with the Find My Device app, which allows for real-time location sharing while maintaining control over who can access this information. Additionally, exclusive features for the Pixel 9 model include enhanced connectivity options for linking GoPro cameras and other Pixel phones, as well as upgrades to the Pixel Studio app for creating stylized images and stickers.