Apple’s App Store Hosts Scamming Online Casino Hidden as a Dietary App

Article by : Erik Gibbs Oct 26, 2023

• 
• 

An iOS App Store app titled “Sweets Bonanza,” masquerading as a dietary app aimed at curbing sugar consumption, has been revealed to be a front for a casino gambling app.

This deceptive app is being promoted through Instagram advertisements featuring a deepfake of MrBeast, a well-known YouTuber.

iMore was alerted to the app’s deceptive nature by a colleague who repeatedly encountered Instagram ads for a game supposedly supported by MrBeast.

The ad for “Sweets Bonanza” appears in users’ Instagram feeds, between stories and reels, and includes a voice-over using manipulated audio from MrBeast’s appearance on the YouTube podcast “The Iced Coffee Hour.”

In the video, MrBeast discusses his various ventures, including MrBeast Burger and Feastables, before a synthetic voice claims that they created the “Sweets Bonanza” app, where everyone can supposedly win at least a thousand dollars.

The deepfake video goes on to suggest that this app is MrBeast’s primary source of income and emphasizes that people have won over $100,000 in the last month. It concludes by encouraging viewers to download the app.

The artificial quality of MrBeast’s voice in the video indicates that this deepfake was likely generated using technology. The phrase “helps a lot of people alive” is also a clear indication of its deceptive nature.

The app listing presents “Sweets Bonanza” as “your sweet tooth’s new best friend,” describing it as the “ultimate tool for curbing sugar consumption and embracing a healthier lifestyle.”

The app claims to combine real-time sugar tracking and AI-powered recommendations to help users control their sweet tooth and act as a personal nutrition coach.

However, even a cursory examination of the app, listed on the App Store under the developer “Mankind UK Limited,” reveals that it is, in fact, a casino app with an age rating of 4+.

Upon installation and opening, the app unveils a range of casino games, including roulette and other casino arcade games. It offers payment options with Bitcoin and various dubious-looking payment processing tools, along with promotions for VIP rewards, weekly raffles, free spins and more.

In essence, “Sweets Bonanza” is not an AI-powered tool to reduce sugar consumption, nor does it have any affiliation with MrBeast or free money giveaways.

Strikingly, it bears no resemblance to the screenshots presented in the app listing, raising questions about how it was approved for the App Store.

Apple is currently engaged in multiple legal battles over its App Store business model, and apps like this are at the center of the debate. Apple argues that maintaining control over its App Store is essential to prevent scams and fraud and protect consumers.

Nevertheless, these types of apps still manage to appear in the store, adding to the ongoing discussions.

With that said, it is advisable not to download “Sweets Bonanza.” While MrBeast is known for generous giveaways, this app is not affiliated with him.

This isn’t the first instance where MrBeast’s name has been misused. Earlier this month, he reported a similar deepfake video in which a “MrBeast” promised to distribute thousands of iPhone 15 Pro models. Hopefully, actions will be taken to remove this app soon.