Why Are “Money-Making” Apps Thriving in Today’s Digital Economy?

“Easy Money” Apps: Behind the Promise Lies a Web of Traps Walk to earn money, listen to novels to earn money, watch videos to earn money — these so-called “make money anytime, anywhere” apps are rapidly spreading online. Targeting mainly middle-aged and elderly users, many of these apps disguise elaborate consumer traps behind enticing slogans. Once downloaded, users are easily lured into paying for unnecessary or fake services, becoming victims of calculated scams. But why are these “money-making” apps thriving so widely? In June, Ms. Lin from Fujian noticed two strange deductions — 888 yuan and 898 yuan — from her mother’s phone. Her mother denied signing up for any online classes. After checking, Ms. Lin discovered that a pop-up ad in a “money-making” app had tricked her mother into paying for fake memberships. When Lin opened the app, she was bombarded with redirects and pop-ups designed to lead users into repeated payments. Some apps take it further, using “small one-time payments + automatic renewals” to trick users into monthly service fees or memberships. Another woman in Hunan learned through a text message from China Mobile that her mother had unknowingly subscribed to a 35-yuan monthly data plan after clicking on an ad inside a “Walk and Earn” app. The deduction was processed through a third-party partner company without her knowledge. An investigation by Half-Month Talk uncovered a well-designed “trap chain.” These apps advertise heavily on short video and mini-drama platforms popular among middle-aged and elderly users. Once downloaded, users are guided into clicking on ads or links that lead to automatic renewals or premium charges. The Half-Month Talk team tested a popular “Walk and Earn Change” app with over 1.6 million downloads. Upon opening it, pop-ups immediately filled the screen. No matter whether users clicked “Login” or “Not yet logged in,” they were redirected to external pages offering “free rewards” — which turned out to be 25-yuan monthly subscriptions set to auto-renew. According to Chen Yinjiang, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Law Society’s Consumer Rights Protection Committee, older users are particularly vulnerable. “After a few misleading clicks, they can unknowingly activate automatic renewals or premium services, realizing only after multiple deductions,” he said. The China Consumers Association’s 2025 Mid-Year Complaint Report confirms this trend, revealing that fraudulent app operators lure users with slogans like “walk to earn money” or “get free red packets,” while secretly activating recurring deductions via password-free payments. Why do these scams persist? Experts point to several loopholes. First, unfair user agreements shift all responsibility to consumers. A July investigation by the Sichuan Consumer Council found that some “walk-to-earn” apps explicitly absolve themselves of liability for false ads, forcing users to “bear all losses.” Second, refunds are nearly impossible. Victims report that refunds are often denied under excuses like “over seven days,” or customer service numbers go unanswered. Ms. Lin only recovered her mother’s money after threatening to report the incident to the police. Another user from Liaoning said she had to call customer service six times before anyone picked up. Each party — the app, payment provider, and vendor — claimed it wasn’t their responsibility. Third, the fraud is organized nationwide. Many apps are connected to multiple shell companies across regions, making it hard for victims to seek legal redress. One case involving the “Walk and Earn Happy” app was linked to three different firms in various provinces. Local consumer hotlines could only advise the user to pursue a lawsuit. Experts warn that these “easy money” promises are often pure fiction aimed at exploiting elderly users’ lack of digital literacy and risk awareness. Deng Yong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shenzhen Consumer Council’s Legal Team, noted, “These scammers hide behind online anonymity, making them extremely difficult to trace or prosecute.” To tackle the issue, Chen Yinjiang calls for the establishment of a senior-focused consumer protection watchlist and stronger enforcement against deceptive advertising and unauthorized deductions. Platforms should strengthen merchant vetting and stop pushing risky ads to elderly users. Experts further recommend that app stores introduce stricter approval and complaint systems, while major internet and telecom companies — often the ad distributors — take greater responsibility by refining their marketing and subscription practices. Community centers and senior institutions are also encouraged to provide training on digital safety, including identifying misleading ads, disabling password-free payments, and handling unauthorized charges. Ultimately, these so-called “money-making” apps aren’t helping people earn — they’re helping fraudsters profit. Only through tighter regulation, stronger platform accountability, and better consumer education can these deceptive apps lose their foothold and ensure that users, especially seniors, spend their money safely and confidently.