Fire TV Stick users need to exercise caution when installing new apps on their devices due to a recent security concern. The popular tool “Downloader” has been removed from Amazon’s Appstore, creating an opportunity for a fraudulent copycat app to deceive users.
The issue arose when Downloader vanished from Amazon’s marketplace over the weekend. Downloader has been a long-standing tool, enabling Fire TV owners to access and install apps not found in official stores, useful for obtaining region-specific apps or early software releases.
Despite its widespread use, Downloader faced a temporary suspension as it was flagged by Amazon for behaving like a web browser, violating Amazon’s policy against third-party browsers on Fire TV devices. The developer, Elias Saba, mentioned that an update caused Downloader to be misidentified as a browser, leading to its removal.
To address this issue, Saba released an update (v2.0.2) to rectify the browser identification problem, hoping for Amazon’s approval soon. In the meantime, users should be wary of a fake version of Downloader attempting to defraud Fire TV owners by charging a weekly fee of $6.99.
Saba advised users not to install the fraudulent app and to report it to Amazon. Those with the genuine Downloader installed should refrain from deleting it, as reinstallation will only be possible once Amazon restores it. Additionally, users are advised to disable Auto Offload to prevent automatic removal of the app.
If Amazon greenlights the fix, Downloader could make a comeback on Fire TV devices later in the week, requiring users to stay vigilant.
