ChatGPT and its conversational abilities have taken the world by storm. Some individuals have encounter difficulties locating OpenAI’s official ChatGPT website or app in the App Store, making scammy applications more visible and prone to download.
It’s important to be caution because most apps claiming to utilise OpenAI’s technology, which powers ChatGPT, are not legitimate, posing potential risks to your personal information.
These fraudulent apps often request unnecessary information and permissions, distribute malware onto your device after installation, or deceive you into paying exorbitant amounts for a useless subscription.
App Permissions
Many of these questionable apps represent a privacy risk since their request permissions extend far beyond what is necessary for a chatbot’s functionality.
Before downloading an app claiming to be ChatGPT-related, carefully review its list permissions.
Ask yourself if there is a valid reason for a chatbot to access your contacts or other sensitive data.
Check About Developers
It’s important to note that OpenAI is the exclusive developer behind ChatGPT.
So, any other chatbot apps found on the App Store, as well as those on the Google Play Store, originate from different developers.
Before trusting an app that claims to be ChatGPT, thoroughly examine the developer’s profile on the App Store.
This allows you to gather information about their company and ascertain whether they are associate with OpenAI.
If an app purports to be ChatGPT but the developer is not OpenAI, it is not an authentic version of ChatGPT.
It is common to find the top-rated reviews prominently display, creating an impression that the majority of users endorse the app.
So, it’s crucial to remain vigilant as some unscrupulous app creators pay for positive reviews.
Some time an app may boast hundreds of five-star reviews, quickly convincing you of its worth.
Take the time to explore one and two-star reviews, as these often provide the most honest and critical feedback.
Fraudulent Apps
One such app available on the App Store, known as ChatOn, claims to be power by ChatGPT and GPT-4.
Despite accumulating an average rating of four and a half stars from approximately 19,000 reviews, a considerable number of one-star reviews express grievances about the app’s costly subscription prices.
Users report being prompt to purchase a subscription after just one free conversation with the chatbot.
Another app called Genie also alleges reliance on ChatGPT and GPT-4.
So, users have report instances where the chatbot provides incorrect information, a phenomenon referred to as hallucination.
Some users encounter difficulties cancelling their subscriptions, which are charge to their cards on a weekly basis.
Go for Free and Secure Alternatives
OpenAI’s ChatGPT, along with Google’s Bard and Microsoft’s Bing Chat, can be access for free on the web.
To avoid incurring weekly or monthly fees, you may consider utilising these free and secure chatbot services directly through your Safari or Chrome browser.
By accessing them through the browser, you can enjoy engaging in conversations without the need to install any additional applications.
