How to identify the fake apps in Google Play Store?

Be careful while installing apps from the Google Play Store

Take out a minute and think for a while, what is the first thing that we do as soon as we get a brand new phone? We quickly download all kinds of apps be it games, messaging, wallpapers and so on. But are we fully sure about what is contained in these apps? How safe they are? Google Play store has many a times been in the news for being infested with fake and malicious apps. Thus we should be very careful while installing apps on our mobile phones to ensure that it does not land us in the hands of scammers and hackers.  So here are a few simple steps to identify the fake apps in the Google Play store.

1.      The first thing that you need to do a little research about the app that you are about to install. Also research a little about the developer of that particular app. You can find this name very easily as it is placed right below the app. A genuine developer will have a website and other details of his work.

Check out for the developers name!!

2.      Another thing that can be considered is the editor’s profile. If his/ her profile contains tags like “Top Developer” or “Editor’s choice” then they are least likely to be false.

3.      Also make sure to read all apps permission carefully. Make sure the permissions asked by an app comply with its functions and features. For example, if an app like Skype requires your permission to access SMS, Call logs, media files then it is genuine, but if a gaming app asks for the same permission then it is seriously a bad app.

4.      Going through the user ratings and reviews are also very important.

Read the ratings & reviews of the user

5.      Another very easy and cool way to find out whether an app is genuine or not is to directly ask Google whether that particular app is genuine or not. If the app has a bad reputation, it will automatically be visible in the search results.

Google play store might contain apps that are risky but it is far way much safer than the unofficial or third party app stores. You might be tempted to download such apps as huge discounts are offered but keep in mind that you will be risking your privacy and security by doing this. You should also keep in mind that hackers and scammers are one step ahead of us in everything and they are always alert and keeping an eye on all our activities. They do their work so smartly that at times we don’t ever realize whether a particular app is malicious or not.

So the next time when you come across such an interesting app, do consider using the tips that have been discussed above and also have reliable Antivirus software installed on your phone.