8 people get duped buying worthless $999.00 iPhone/iPod touch app
Posted by Dave Merten 
Aug 9, 2008 at 8:45pm
Within 24 hours of Apple’s App Store opening, two Europeans and six Americans bought a totally worthless app that was selling for the ridiculous price of $999.00. The app, called “I Am Rich” and pictured below, done absolutely nothing.
I Am Rich iPhone/iPod touch app
The “I Am Rich” app actually was not intended to be a scam. Although it does nothing, it clearly stated as such in its description at the iTunes App Store. The app simply displayed an image of a glowing red ruby that “always reminds you (and others when you show it to them) that you were rich enough to afford this.” According to the author, Armin Heinrich “it’s a work of art with no hidden function at all.”
Now the I Am Rich app has been added to the mysterious Apple blacklist which also includes NullRiver’s NetShare tethering application and a harmless movie listings app called BoxOffice. All three apps have been pulled from the store with no explanation as to why. Apparently, not even the developers know why, either. According to an interview with the LA Times, Heinrich states, “I have no idea why they did it and am not aware of any violation of the rules to sell software on the App Store.”
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Falkirk Says:
The only people who were duped were the ones who were drawn to this article by your misleading headline.
Posted on August 09, 2008
Dave Merten Says:
I’m sure they were expecting more than nothing for $999.00, which makes them a “victim of deception.”
Posted on August 10, 2008
BMac Says:
It’s a work of art! Cool, wish I’d thought of that.
Which means it’s worth whatever you are silly enough to pay for it.
Presumably now it’s been yanked, then the rarity value makes it worth more.
Will we see them on eBay for thousands?
Posted on August 10, 2008
mibrilane Says:
The app “done nothing”? And you’re a professional writer?
Posted on August 10, 2008
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Dave Merten
Dave was one of the founding guides at ‘The Mining Company,’ now known as About.com, in February 1998. Dave was their ‘Focus on Mac Support’ guide. In 2004 he started ‘G5 Owners Support Group,’ and in 2005, renamed it ‘Mac Owners Support Group.’ In 2006, he started the ‘MacOSG Support Corner’ column here at Macsimum News.
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Tim Says:
I don’t see how anyone was duped in to purchasing this worthless app.
Posted on August 09, 2008