Don't get scammed - How to tell the difference between apps that pay you, and apps that will make YOU pay.
It can be pretty exciting to discover a money making app thinking you’ll be able to earn a little extra cash. However, you must be aware that not all apps have your best interest in mind.
Today let’s take a moment to think clearly about those apps that pay and learn how to protect your time, your phone, and your personal identity.
With the recent news about the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica scandal breaking, cyber security and the protection of your information is more of a hot topic than ever before.
Due to the structure and security of places like Google Play, it is possible for app developers to provide their app, cloaked as a money making app, that is loaded with malicious code called malware.
When an app contains malware, it can infect your phone’s operating system. When this happens, you can end up seeing more ads while you’re browsing online and also those annoying pop ups while you’re trying to enjoy your day-to-day tasks.
If you end up downloading the wrong app, it could end up doing something pretty malicious like erasing your phone’s data or resetting your password. This post is a reminder to all of us (myself included!) to be careful when downloading apps to our phone,s even if they promise to pay.
Ghost Clicker Malware
There is a popular malware available on the blackmarket that can be coded into any money making app called Ghost Clicker. As mentioned, this clever and deceptive code will click on ads without you ever even physically touching the screen. (Scary, right?) Normally, when you see an ad online and click on it, the website or service hosting the ad can receive a commission or small referral fee for the click. What GhostClicker does is generate a large number of fake clicks (at the expense of folks like you and I) and provides benefits back to the person who infected your phone.
This is fraud and it is illegal, but it happens.
While common sense should be used whenever downloading anything onto your phone, here are a few tips to help you avoid fake and malicious apps (that pay you, or not):
Tip #1: Trust Your Gut.
Sometimes you just have to trust your instinct, even if you really want to make money from an app that pays. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t download it.
Tip #2: Review the App’s Description.
You should always read the fine print before ever downloading anything on your phone. Be sure to notice what exactly you will receive when you sign up for an app that pays. Does the app actually provide cash payments? Will you have to convert accumulated credits for certificates or PayPal payouts? Do you actually receive anything at all?
Tip #3: Read the Reviews.
If you’re still eager to go ahead and download an app, be sure to read the reviews. Often you’ll see people’s feedback as to whether a money making app does pay or simply offers payment in the form of redeemable credit.
Tip #4: Understand the Terms & Conditions.
Unfortunately, a lot of people never bother to read the ‘Terms & Conditions’that pop-up before downloading an app. If there’s any way for malware to instantly gain access to your phone, it's because you agreed to put it there. Be sure to check and see which feature of your phone an app needs access to. Why would a money making app need access to your contacts if you’re simply taking survey on their app to make money?
Tip #5: Run a Security Check.
You should already have some kind of anti-virus and anti-malware program on your phone. These aren’t just for computers and you can download Malwarebytes for free.
Not all apps are bad, but you should be aware of how you receive your money for apps that pay.
In most cases, you’ll be forced to sit through advertisements. This is how the app developers get paid and how it is possible to provide you with some kind of reward.
Other apps may be asking you to participate in market research which will gather information about consumer behaviour. Alternatively, you may be exposed to other services, upgrades, or other in-app purchases.
You may have noticed a few posts on this blog about money making apps:
Great care has been taken to select the best apps that actually pay money or provide real rewards. If you happen to find an app on those lists that don’t live up to its promise, please don’t hesitate to let us know!
Let’s take a moment to explain why the money making app that pays out hundreds of dollars to its users every year - OhmConnect - is one you can trust.
OhmConnect was developed simply to help reduce energy savings across North America. Its a real program dedicated toward power savings which offers real cash earnings to participants.
To date, OhmConnect has more than 300,000 users and has paid out almost $4 million. The process of earning money with OhmConnect is literally as easy as flipping a switch as long as your electricity bill comes from the following companies:
You get paid for saving energy during peak periods when demand is high. In the past, savings were only offered for big corporations that reduced their energy usage. However, OhmConnect has made it possible to pass on these savings to the average homeowner. You can learn more about where the money comes from, here.
In addition to offering payments to your Paypal account, you can also choose to donate your earnings to a local charity or receive credit for other energy-efficient products. OhmConnect is a real money making app that is dedicated toward giving back to people who want to save energy.
Your time is important and your personal information is invaluable. Be sure to safeguard yourself from any app you put on your phone.
