Apple Blocks $9 Billion in Fraudulent Transactions on App Store Over Five Years

Apple has announced that it has successfully blocked over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions on its App Store over the past five years. This significant achievement highlights the company's ongoing commitment to user security and the integrity of its platform, especially in light of increasing threats from malicious actors.

Key Takeaways

• Apple prevented over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions since 2019.

• In 2024 alone, the company blocked more than $2 billion in fraud.

• Over 46,000 developer accounts were terminated due to fraud concerns.

• Apple rejected 139,000 developer enrollments to prevent bad actors.

• The company removed over 37,000 apps for fraudulent activity in 2024.

Overview of Fraud Prevention Efforts

In its latest report, Apple detailed the various measures it has implemented to combat fraud on its App Store. The company faces a multitude of threats, including deceptive apps designed to steal personal information and fraudulent payment schemes aimed at exploiting users. To counter these threats, Apple has taken the following actions:

• Developer Account Management: Terminated over 46,000 developer accounts and rejected 139,000 new enrollments due to fraud concerns.

• Customer Account Monitoring: Rejected over 711 million customer account creations and deactivated nearly 129 million accounts to prevent spamming and manipulation of ratings and reviews.

Notable Statistics from 2024

Apple's report for 2024 includes several noteworthy statistics that illustrate the scale of its fraud prevention efforts:

1. Illegitimate Apps: Detected and blocked more than 10,000 illegitimate apps on pirate storefronts, including malware and pirated versions of legitimate apps.

2. Installation Attempts: Stopped nearly 4.6 million attempts to install or launch apps distributed illicitly outside the App Store.

3. App Submissions: Rejected over 1.9 million App Store submissions for failing to meet security and privacy standards.

4. Fraudulent Apps: Removed more than 37,000 apps for fraudulent activity and rejected over 43,000 submissions for containing hidden features.

5. Ratings and Reviews: Removed over 143 million fraudulent ratings and reviews from the App Store.

Comparison with Previous Years

Apple's fraud prevention efforts have shown a consistent upward trend in blocking fraudulent transactions:

• 2023: Prevented over $1.8 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions and terminated close to 118,000 developer accounts.

• 2022: Blocked over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions.

Industry Context

This announcement comes amid increasing scrutiny of Apple's App Store policies, particularly following a recent ruling in the United States that requires the company to allow iOS apps to direct customers to make purchases outside of the App Store. This ruling has raised questions about the balance between user security and market competition.

As Apple continues to enhance its fraud prevention measures, the company remains vigilant in protecting its users from the evolving landscape of online threats. The ongoing battle against fraud not only safeguards users but also reinforces the integrity of the App Store as a trusted platform for app distribution.

As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, your security strategy must evolve to keep pace. BetterWorld Technology offers adaptive cybersecurity solutions that grow with the threat landscape, helping your business stay secure while continuing to innovate. Reach out today to schedule your personalized consultation.

Sources

• Apple Blocks $9 Billion in Fraud Over 5 Years Amid Rising App Store Threats, The Hacker News.