‘Fleeceware’ apps overcharge users for basic app functionality

Re:‘Fleeceware’ apps overcharge users for basic app function... by nscalf on Thursday September 26, 2019 @05:30PM (#21085758)

I disagree about the civic education. Everyone knows the IRS doesn't take gift cards, it's more about taking advantage of people when they have a panic response. You get a call from the government saying you're going to jail if you don't pay them right now, you may panic. If you panic, what are the odds that you're going to get yourself under control before you do something stupid?

I've seen this happen to a very bright coworker of mine, it's all about taking advantage of human fear.

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Re:‘Fleeceware’ apps overcharge users for basic app function... by inetknght on Thursday September 26, 2019 @06:07PM (#21086095)

> Everyone knows the IRS doesn't take gift cards

If that were the case then nobody would fall for the scam.

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Re:‘Fleeceware’ apps overcharge users for basic app function... by skymt on Thursday September 26, 2019 @05:44PM (#21085900)

That's true. (And this is tangential anyway.) I do think that a greater familiarity with how the government works could help in that moment of panic, reducing the self-doubt of "I don't think this sounds right, but what if I'm wrong?"

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