14 DAY TRIAL // The walls Apple has built around its iWorld seem to need more consolidation with rogue developers reportedly hacking customers’ iTunes accounts, stealing their money. A report by The Next Web details the means by which so-called “App Farms” are being used to delude iPhone and iPod touch owners, and includes a few pieces of advice on how to stay on the safe side.
The report in question, broken down by verified findings, informs that an unspecified number of iTunes accounts have been hacked and used to purchase apps. One particular developer is mentioned as the author of such hacks - Thuat Nguyen, whose books fill spots 1 to 40 in the books category of the US iTunes store, according to another report.
According to the former source, since the discovery of his mischief, the developer’s account and all applications have been removed. Sadly, however, a number of other developers have been identified as similarly bad intended, with even more “innovative” approaches to stealing users’ money, the report claims. The source adds that customers have reported anywhere between $100-$1400 spent using their hacked accounts.
The developers not only bought apps using iTunes account holders’ information, but also carried out in-app purchases, the report continues to reveal. The feature is typical to some rather new applications which, although distributed at a small price or even free of charge, may entice users to buy additional services or other applications altogether, from within the running app’s interface.
Some developers have bought their own apps to specifically climb up the iTunes ranking and gain momentum. iTunes store customers are thus fooled that those apps are highly attractive. Reportedly, Apple’s only advice so far is to change passwords. The Next Web is allegedly still waiting for a formal response from the Mac maker, after contacting the company for clarification on the matter.
iTunes App Store users worldwide are advised to check their previous purchases for signs of any purchases they may not have made, especially keeping an eye out for expensive apps. Those who think they may be a victim in this scenario can contact Apple here. More drastic measures involve changing your iTunes store account password, and removing card details.