3 min read
A controversial mobile app named “Tic-Tac-Toe 777” has unexpectedly climbed to the number one spot on Pakistan’s Top Free Games chart on the Google Play Store, sparking widespread concern among users, cybersecurity experts, and digital rights advocates. Despite boasting a 4.3-star rating, the app is being called a scam by hundreds of users who accuse it of misleading gameplay, fake rewards, and manipulative tactics.
Though presented as a simple puzzle game, users quickly discover that “Tic-Tac-Toe 777” is actually a poker-style gambling platform. It aggressively promotes real cash prizes to lure players into spending money, yet users report never receiving any winnings.
One frustrated user wrote:
“Don’t install this app. Totally a scam. Did not win the prize—I lost 20,000.”
Another echoed:
“I installed this after watching an ad. Thought it was a game, but it’s a scam—it’s bloody poker!”
In addition to these concerns, users have reported frequent app crashes, login failures, and an onslaught of intrusive advertisements. Many users also claim that the game compels them to make in-app purchases to continue.
The app’s suspiciously high rating is also concerning. A closer examination reveals an abundance of short, repetitive, or unnatural five-star reviews, which raises concerns about the potential use of bots or paid reviewers to manipulate rankings.
Call for Action
In addition to gameplay issues, the app has been flagged for requesting unjustified permissions, including access to device storage, which has prompted concerns about data misuse and privacy violations.
“This is a textbook case of app store manipulation,” said a digital security expert. “If an app can reach the top of the charts despite hundreds of user complaints, the platform’s review system is broken.”
Pakistan’s mobile gaming sector is expanding rapidly; however, its digital consumer protections are still insufficient. This leaves a substantial portion of the population, particularly youthful and digitally inexperienced users, susceptible to such schemes.
Digital rights organisations are now calling for immediate corrections. Their demands include:
- A formal investigation and removal of the app
- Stricter review mechanisms for trending and monetized apps
- Enhanced transparency in user review authenticity
- Increased accountability for platforms hosting high-risk apps
They are also urging Pakistani authorities to strengthen regulations that protect consumers in digital spaces. As of now,Google has not issued any public response to the mounting allegations or user complaints.
Experts warn that if these concerns are not promptly addressed, the erosion of public trust in app platforms could significantly impede digital innovation and growth in emerging markets like Pakistan.
