It can be quite shocking to learn how even scam apps like ‘Virus shield’ can become the top selling Android app in such a short time. This app managed to become one of the most popular anti-virus app in less than a week, and apparently, the app has nothing to do with the security of your Android smartphone or tablet. When the folks over at Android Police delved deeper into this app’s code, their team found out that the app is nothing more than a few images and a toggle.
Google correcting it’s mistakes
This $3.99 app had more than 10,000 downloads, got some good fake reviews, and achieved a top position by somehow gaming the Play Store’s ranking system. Fast forward to now, and Google is making every effort to correct its mistake. The company is now issuing a full refund to those who purchased this app, extending beyond their usual refund window which is of 15 minutes only. Apart from the full refund, Google is also issuing a $5 Play Store credit to anyone who paid for Virus Shield. Well, those users who’ve purchased such a fake app should now have a reason to celebrate. Here’s the email that Google sent to purchasers of Virus Shield app:
Hello,
We’re reaching out to you because you recently purchased the “Virus Shield” app on Google Play.This app made the false claim that it provided one-click virus protection; in reality, it did not.
Google Play’s policies strictly prohibit false claims like these, and in light of this, we’re refunding you for your “Virus Shield” purchase. You should see funds returned to your account within the next 14 days.
Additionally we’d like to offer you $5 promotional credit1, which can be used to purchase digital content on Google Play such as apps, games, books, music and movies.
Your credit redemption code is XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Click or tap here to redeem. For help redeeming, please visit our Help Center.
We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused; rest assured that we’re always working to make Google Play better for our users.
Thank you,
Google Play Support
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) definitely made a big mistake in allowing such a fake app to rise to the top popular paid app position, and now the company is making every effort to correct its mistake. Such an app should never in even be allowed to be listed in the Play Store in the first place, let alone in the top paid position.
While Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is trying everything to make its users happy by issuing a full refund, and a $5 credit on top of that, the company should ensure in the future that such apps are never listed in the Play Store.
