Fire TV Stick users are advised to exercise caution when installing new applications on their devices, as a popular tool called “Downloader” has been removed from Amazon’s Appstore, paving the way for a fraudulent scam app aimed at defrauding users.

The issue arose recently when Downloader disappeared from Amazon’s online marketplace, despite being available for almost ten years. The tool allowed Fire TV owners to search for and install apps not officially offered in mainstream stores, enabling access to additional tools, location-restricted applications, and early software versions.

Following a recent update, Downloader faced a temporary suspension due to Amazon flagging it as a full web browser, a violation of the platform’s policy against third-party browsers on Fire TV devices. Developer Elias Saba, who also manages the Fire TV site AFTVnews, believes the suspension was triggered by the app’s browser identification rather than its functionality. Saba has released an update, v2.0.2, to address this issue and is hopeful that Amazon will reinstate the app soon.

In the meantime, users are urged to avoid a fake version of Downloader that has emerged, attempting to deceive Fire TV owners into paying a weekly fee. Saba emphasized not installing the deceptive app and encouraged users to report it to Amazon.

For users with the legitimate Downloader already installed, it is advised not to delete it as reinstalling may not be possible until Amazon restores it. Users should also disable Auto Offload in the device settings to prevent automatic removal of the app.

If Amazon approves the update, Downloader could make a comeback on Fire TV devices later in the week, requiring users to stay informed on the situation for any developments.