There are companies on the internet who track and record the number of new apps as they become available in App Stores. These companies have noticed a spike in the number of counterfeit apps coming onto the Apple App Store.
The Apple App Store has become the target for a number of counterfeit retail apps. Mainly US retailers have been targeted as we get closer to the holiday season. Retailers like Foot Locker, Jimmy Choo and Christian Dior have been some of the more high profile retail chains targeted.
Some of the apps are just a nuisance where they serve up ads and annoying popups but others can ask shoppers for credit card details and personal information. Some apps contain malware and some can even lock your device until you pay a ransom making your phone useless.
Apple does have quite a rigorous review process so it's unclear how these apps made it onto the App store "shelves".
So be aware of the apps that you download and use. Check the name of the publisher, how long the app has been in the store and how many downloads have occurred.