A lawsuit accuses Apple of negligence after a fraudulent crypto wallet app on the App Store caused users to lose over $1.8 million.

A class‑action lawsuit filed in federal court alleges that Apple’s App Store negligence enabled a fraudulent crypto‑wallet app to siphon more than $1.8 million from unsuspecting users.

Allegations Against Apple

The complaint claims Apple failed to enforce its own App Store guidelines, allowing the rogue app to appear in search results and be promoted through curated collections despite repeated red flags about its legitimacy.

According to the filing, the malicious app masqueraded as a legitimate cryptocurrency wallet, prompting users to deposit funds that were subsequently transferred to a series of untraceable wallets controlled by the scammers.

How the Scam Operated

Victims report that the app’s interface mimicked popular wallets, complete with QR‑code scanners and real‑time price charts. Once users entered their private keys or seed phrases, the app silently exfiltrated the data, enabling the attackers to empty the linked accounts.

  • Users downloaded the app from the App Store after seeing a high rating and positive reviews.
  • The app requested extensive permissions, including access to the device’s clipboard and network.
  • After depositing crypto, the app displayed a fake “transaction pending” screen while the funds were transferred to the scammers.

Apple’s Response

Apple’s legal team responded that the company promptly removed the app once it was flagged and that it continuously monitors the store for policy violations. The company also highlighted its recent rollout of stricter verification processes for financial applications.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the affected users, as well as a court order requiring Apple to implement more rigorous vetting procedures for apps handling cryptocurrency transactions.

“Apple’s platform is a gatekeeper, and its failure to act swiftly allowed a scam to thrive and cost users millions,” the plaintiffs’ attorney said.

The case adds to a growing list of legal challenges targeting Apple’s control over its ecosystem, with critics arguing that the company’s policies can both protect and expose users to risk.

TechCrunch coverage of Apple App Store crypto scam lawsuit