'Report a Problem' App Store Option Returns to Combat Scams

After being removed several years ago, Apple has restored the "Report a Problem" option on the App Store in an effort to flag issues and combat scams.

app store blue banner
Spotted by Richard Mazkewich and Kosta Eleftheriou and highlighted by The Verge, the option allows users to report individual ‌App Store‌ listings in iOS 15. When selected, the option directs users to a website with a drop-down menu to report ‌App Store‌ violations, including a specific option to "Report a scam or fraud."

The previous option, which was difficult to access, allowed users to "Report suspicious activity" redirected to Apple Support. Users were only able to report "a quality issue" with apps if they had actually paid for a scam app or in-app purchase, meaning that there was no ability to easily report obvious scams.

The "Report a Problem" option appears to be rolling out slowly, starting with free apps with in-app purchases on the ‌App Store‌ in the United States. The addition comes just days after Apple added the ability for users to rate their own apps on the ‌App Store‌.

Top Rated Comments

PBG4 Dude Avatar
34 months ago

Good. I hope people use it, and I hope Apple will pay attention when they do.
Apple paying attention seems to be the sticking point. Seems like they only care once it’s reported in the news.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
imnotthewalrus Avatar
34 months ago
Good. I hope people use it, and I hope Apple will pay attention when they do.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
icanhazmac Avatar
34 months ago
Good, they never should have removed it in the first place, plenty of references to scammy apps out there and they should be easy to report.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
wanha Avatar
34 months ago
Seems like a no-brainer move.

But what I'd really like to know is why on earth was it ever removed to begin with? (FWIW, I'm not holding my breath on an answer to that)
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
34 months ago
Good, I couldn’t believe there was no way to easily report a issue with an app. A few weeks ago I came across an app that avoided IAP for an subscription in a really shady way but no one I contacted at apple felt responsible and they just kept forwarding me to different contacts
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jayducharme Avatar
34 months ago
Thank goodness! I did use that feature occasionally until it was removed, and it did seem to help fix some problems.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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