Fire TV Stick users are being advised to exercise caution, particularly when adding new applications to their devices. The popular tool “Downloader” has been removed from Amazon’s Appstore, creating an opportunity for a fraudulent copycat app aimed at defrauding users.
The disappearance of Downloader from Amazon’s online marketplace emerged over the weekend. For nearly a decade, Downloader has assisted Fire TV owners in searching for and installing apps not found in official app stores. This has been beneficial for discovering additional tools, regional-specific applications, and early software versions.
Despite its widespread use, Downloader faced a temporary suspension due to a recent update that categorized it as a web browser, violating Amazon’s policy against third-party browsers on Fire TV devices. The developer, Elias Saba, explained that the app’s identification as a browser prompted its blockage. Saba has released an update, version 2.0.2, removing the browser registration in hopes of Amazon reinstating the app soon.
During this period, users are warned about a fake version of Downloader circulating, attempting to exploit Fire TV owners by tricking them into unauthorized payments. Saba has cautioned against installing the fraudulent app and advised reporting it to Amazon.
Users with the legitimate Downloader installed are advised not to uninstall it as they may encounter difficulties reinstalling it until Amazon resolves the issue. Additionally, disabling Auto Offload in the device settings can prevent automatic removal of the app.
If the fix is approved by Amazon, Downloader could make its way back to Fire TV devices in the coming week, requiring users to stay vigilant about the situation and avoid the fake app scam.