Choosing apps can be tricky and not just at Chili's. Downloading a fake app that looks like the real thing can lead to bad consequences for your devices. Recently, malicious apps are activating microphones to record your environment 24/7. Read these tips to stay safe!

1. Look for duplicate icons and app names

Often, fake apps can look exactly like real ones - they might even have the same name and icon, but if you aren't paying close attention, you'll miss those differences. The first red flag is seeing the same icon in the search results more ithan once. Fake apps will use the same icon to trick you and then bombard you with ads and malware. When it comes to names, a major red flag should be if you see the word update in the name. For example, Instagram will never be named "Instagram Update."

2. Look at download counts and reviews

Legitimate apps have thousands of downloads and ratings. Most fake apps are removed before racking up thousands of downloads. You can also read the reviews and see whether anyone fell victim to the scam. An overwhelming number of superficial reviews is also a bad sign.

3. Verify the app developer name

This step may be a little tricky if you don't know the name of the developer and are downloading an app that isn't very popular. A quick online search will reveal the developer name. While on the app website, you can click the "Get our app" icon to ensure you're downloading the real thing.

4. Read the app description and look at the screenshots

This step can be what gives a fake app away! If you're reading the description and it doesn't sound like the app you want, don't download it. Further, if the description is right but the wording seems off, bot-like, or written in broken language, run.

For more examples on how you can unwittingly fall prey to fake apps, read How to Spot Fake iOS and Android Apps.