Freecash rewards app removed from Apple App Store after scam allegations

Apple has removed the Freecash rewards app from its App Store following allegations that the application used deceptive marketing techniques and collected sensitive user data while posing as a legitimate money-making platform. The app had reached the No. 2 position in the U.S. App Store and No. 7 on Google Play before its removal. According to a Malwarebytes report, Freecash collects extensive personal information including data on users' race, religion, sex life, sexual orientation, health, and biometrics while presenting itself as a way to earn money by playing mobile games. The app functions as a data broker matching game developers with users willing to install and spend money on titles like Monopoly Go and Disney Solitaire. Freecash's downloads surged from 876,000 in October 2025 to 5.5 million globally by January 2026, peaking at nearly 6 million installs in February. TikTok previously pulled some of the app's ads for violating rules around financial misrepresentation after a Wired investigation found deceptive marketing tactics. The German company Almedia, which owns Freecash, denied allegations of artificial traffic generation or deceptive marketing, stating its apps are "fully compliant" with platform policies. However, evidence suggests the app may have circumvented previous App Store bans by rebranding an existing application from a Cyprus-based developer after an initial version was removed in June 2024. Apple cited violations of App Store Review Guidelines prohibiting scamming users, bait-and-switch tactics, and misleading marketing as reasons for the removal. Google is investigating similar concerns regarding the Play Store listing.