AI has changed the way we live. We’ve seen how powerful tools like ChatGPT are, allowing users who have never picked up a paintbrush in their lives to start putting together pieces of art. It has also allowed users who struggle to put their thoughts to paper coherently to pen beautifully written pieces. However, AI is a double-edged sword , one that might have also given rise to fraud and malicious apps.
AI gives rise to fraud and malicious apps
According to a new report from DoubleVerify , we’re seeing exactly that nightmare scenario play out. The company just dropped some pretty alarming numbers that should give every Android and iPhone user pause before hitting that download button. We’re talking about a massive explosion in AI fraud malicious apps that are somehow slipping through the cracks of both Google Play and the App Store.
DoubleVerify has classified nearly three times more fraudulent iOS apps in 2025 compared to the average volume over the last five years. In 2024, Apple rejected more than 1.76 million apps for failing to meet the App Store’s standards. This year, that number ballooned to 1.93 million . Android users have it even worse. Google’s mobile platform had nearly six times more fraudulent Android mobile apps detected this year alone.
What makes these malicious AI fraud apps so dangerous is how convincing they’ve become. AI is being used to create more convincing and realistic-looking apps, making it harder for marketplace reviewers to identify and reject them. These new apps can fool even seasoned users with professional-looking interfaces and detailed fake reviews.
Keeping yourself safe
So, what does this mean for mobile users? Just like with AI-generated text and images, you’ll have to start paying closer attention to the apps you’re downloading. A good way to start is to make sure you download from trusted storefronts. We’re talking about official stores like the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Also, check the reviews! See what other users are saying. More often than not, you can tell an app’s quality based on the reviews. If many are cautioning you to stay away, then maybe you should.
We’ve already seen how regular malware can infect your device and steal your login credentials , download trojans in the background, and more. But now with the power of AI, it has only made things more complicated.
