Freecash, the mobile app that promised users a whopping $35 an hour for simply watching TikTok videos on their "For You" page, is not quite what it seems. Despite its catchy slogan and enticing claims, Freecash's business model relies heavily on matching new users with mobile games, where they are encouraged to spend money in exchange for rewards.
The app itself doesn't pay out money directly to users who watch TikTok videos. Instead, users are directed to download multiple mobile games, such as Monopoly Go and Disney Solitaire, which promise cash rewards for completing challenges within a limited time frame. The rewards range from pennies to hundreds of dollars, depending on the challenge.
However, users must also spend money in these games to reach certain milestones or levels, where they can earn more substantial rewards. This is despite Freecash's CEO, Moritz Holländer, stating that if an app had data about a user's spending habits, it wouldn't match them with games that stray from their preferred genres.
This practice has raised concerns among consumer advocates and technologists, who warn that users may be exploited through manipulative marketing tactics that rely on personal data. The Electronic Frontier Foundation's Lena Cohen notes that some data brokers sell lists of people susceptible to scams or addictive online gaming, which Freecash claims to collect about its users.
In an effort to distance itself from misleading ads promoting the app on TikTok, Freecash's parent company has stated that it did not produce the ads in question and is reviewing activity with relevant partners. However, some have questioned whether this is merely a PR stunt to deflect responsibility.
One thing is clear: Freecash's claims about not being involved in misleading marketing are questionable, and users should be cautious when downloading apps like this one. As Eden Iscil, senior public policy manager at the National Consumers League, notes, "Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the advertiser."
The app itself doesn't pay out money directly to users who watch TikTok videos. Instead, users are directed to download multiple mobile games, such as Monopoly Go and Disney Solitaire, which promise cash rewards for completing challenges within a limited time frame. The rewards range from pennies to hundreds of dollars, depending on the challenge.
However, users must also spend money in these games to reach certain milestones or levels, where they can earn more substantial rewards. This is despite Freecash's CEO, Moritz Holländer, stating that if an app had data about a user's spending habits, it wouldn't match them with games that stray from their preferred genres.
This practice has raised concerns among consumer advocates and technologists, who warn that users may be exploited through manipulative marketing tactics that rely on personal data. The Electronic Frontier Foundation's Lena Cohen notes that some data brokers sell lists of people susceptible to scams or addictive online gaming, which Freecash claims to collect about its users.
In an effort to distance itself from misleading ads promoting the app on TikTok, Freecash's parent company has stated that it did not produce the ads in question and is reviewing activity with relevant partners. However, some have questioned whether this is merely a PR stunt to deflect responsibility.
One thing is clear: Freecash's claims about not being involved in misleading marketing are questionable, and users should be cautious when downloading apps like this one. As Eden Iscil, senior public policy manager at the National Consumers League, notes, "Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the advertiser."
I downloaded the app thinking I'd get paid to watch TikTok vids, but nope! They just direct you to download games and spend money to reach milestones. Like, what's up with that? And don't even get me started on them collecting our data to match us with games we might be interested in... yeah right 
. It's like they're trying to manipulate us into spending more cash. I'm not buying it (literally). Need to be more careful when downloading apps, guys! 
. I mean, who needs $35 an hour just for watching TikTok videos? It sounds too good to be true, right? And honestly, it is.
Freecash sounds like a total scam just to make money off ppl who dont no any better 
it's not about watchin tiktok vids for cash its about gettin hooked on games and spendin ur money 
give me a break
. Anyone think that's a great idea... 
I'm low-key disappointed in Freecash tbh... 35 bucks an hour sounds too good to be true 
THEY'RE JUST TRYING TO EXPLOIT US WITH OUR PERSONAL DATA AND MANIPULATIVE MARKETING TACTICS. IT'S LIKE, IF THEY'RE NOT GOING TO PAY YOU DIRECTLY FOR WATCHING VIDEOS, THEN WHY ARE WE SUPPOSED TO WASTE OUR TIME AND MONEY ON THEIR GAMES?! 
It's like they're preying on people's desperation. I mean, what if I really did want to earn $35 an hour watching TikTok videos? How about if I had better things to do with my time? 
. Freecash is just another example of how some companies will do whatever it takes to make a buck off unsuspecting users. I mean, who tries to watch TikTok videos for hours on end to earn $35? It's all about getting you hooked on those mobile games and spending money, while the app owners reap the benefits 
. I swear, these companies have no integrity and are preying on people's desperation 
. We need to do some serious research before we download any new apps, especially if they seem too good (or bad) to be true 
. Let's stay vigilant and protect our digital well-being! 