Apple took down two problematic applications from the App Store following investigative reports detailing serious user harm. One was a fraudulent Ledger Live client that actively drained cryptocurrency from victims, while the other, Freecash, was harvesting extensive personal data under false pretenses of earning rewards.

Reports indicated the fake Ledger app stole crypto—including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana—from at least 50 users between April 7 and 13. The largest single theft involved $3.23 million in USDT. The fact that this malicious software bypassed initial review processes raises serious questions about Apple's vetting procedures for financial tools.

Separately, the data harvesting app Freecash used misleading tactics, popularized on TikTok, promising users money for scrolling. Investigations revealed it collected sensitive information regarding race, religion, and health, essentially acting as a data broker. Apple removed Freecash after TechCrunch reached out for comment, citing violations against misleading marketing.

These simultaneous removals expose significant gaps in the App Store review system, allowing both financial scams and invasive data brokers to proliferate briefly. The reappearance of Freecash under a new developer account suggests developers are actively circumventing prior bans, a tactic Apple has vowed to fight.