Copycat Apps for Muse, Instagram, and VLC Appeared in the Mac App Store

The useful part

I don't know where Muse AI ranks in the iOS App Store, but I do know that it's currently the #20 Mac App Store download in the US. Muse AI was released in the App Store only three weeks ago and updated within the last day. The latest release notes begin, "Introduced the new Muse brand logo and refreshed app icons." The scammer practically announced the scam to Apple app review, who nonetheless missed it somehow.

How it works

• It's an interesting commentary on the App Store that the reviewer doesn't appear to know how to request a refund or cancel automatic renewal.
• By the way, I'd also like to draw your attention to the #11 Mac App Store download, as shown in my screenshot above:
• Of course App for Instagram º is the top search result for "Instagram" in the Mac App Store, despite the fact that the app was released only two months ago.
• Notice again the similarity between the App for Instagram º icon and the famous Instagram icon.
• The first App Store user reviews that you see are five stars, though one of them looks more like an apartment review than an app review.

What to take from it

Muse AI has some expensive In-App Purchases, such as a $20 monthly subscription. Yes, the app name includes the º character, a phenomenon I've written about before. Instagram is another Meta app that appears in the iOS App Store but not the Mac App Store, providing an opportunity for copycats.

Example or evidence

• The name and presentation make it appear to be an official Instagram app, but after installing it, you're immediately blocked by a paywall/free-trial screen that will convert to a paid subscription.
• I downloaded this app thinking it was made by Instagram for my Mac lap top.
• It took over my screen and asked for money without any options to close the pop up windows.
• I had to go around and delete the app quickly to just gain access to my screen again.

Details worth keeping

Shortly after paying, I realized they are different services. I'd like to request a refund and cancel automatic renewal. Wouldn't even respond when I clicked the "Quit App.".

Related coverage

• Appleinsider: Клоны известных российских сервисов постепенно забираются в топ App Store. Разбираем, чем они опасны и как отличить фейк от настоящего приложения.
• Runet: В магазине приложений App Store стали появляться поддельные копии популярных российских сервисов, включая видеохостинг Rutube, мессенджер «Макс» и платформу VK Video.
• Computerra: Источник: Компьютерра - Журнал о науке и технологиях В магазине приложений App Store начали массово появляться мошеннические копии популярных российских сервисов, удаленных ранее из-за санкционных требований.
• Apple: Muse is your personal AI agent that gets things done, always working on what matters to you.
• Marginalrevolution: It is excellent.