# Fraud Tycoon vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is price: Fraud Tycoon at Free against Simple Match 3's $1.99. Fraud Tycoon also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 14.0). Simple Match 3's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 23 months) and chart position (#61 vs unranked). On rating, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Fraud Tycoon is free to download; Simple Match 3 costs $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Fraud Tycoon asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Fraud Tycoon against 4.8 for Simple Match 3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 64 and 247 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 96% of Fraud Tycoon's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

Fraud Tycoon ships an update every 23 months, Simple Match 3 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Fraud Tycoon | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [4.8 (64 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fraud-tycoon/id883389908/reviews) | [4.8 (247 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 64 | **247** |
| Positive reviews | **95.6% of reviews** | 90.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 23 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#61** |
| Size | 16 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ponywolf, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/437515051) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### Fraud Tycoon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fraud-tycoon/id883389908)

Explore the world of online fraud through puzzle-based gameplay. Learn about the tools and tactics criminals use to exploit vulnerable businesses and build your own virtual criminal enterprise. This educational game highlights real-world fraud methods.

**Highlights:** Puzzle-based gameplay, Simulates criminal organizations, Learn about fraud tools, Virtual criminal enterprise building, Educational about fraud prevention

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Simple Match 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389)

**Currently charting:** #61 Top Paid · Casual, #84 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

This is a relaxing puzzle game where you swap tiles to make matches of three. Unlock hundreds of unique tiles, customize your game's appearance, and enjoy satisfying effects. It offers a peaceful experience without ads or excessive story elements.

**Highlights:** No ads or subscriptions, Hundreds of unique tiles, Customizable appearance, Daily levels with leaderboards, Zen Mode for relaxation, Satisfying visual effects, Achievements and boosters

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Simple Match 3 Gold | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best Match 3 Game
- 👍 Calming and Engaging
- 🔒 No Ads or IAPs
- 👍 Customizable Tiles
- 👍 Relaxing Music and Sound Effects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs in Higher Levels
- 🐛 Impossible Levels Due to Missing Obstacles
- 🐛 Soft Locks with Rainbow Tiles
- 🐛 Reward Box Tapping Issue
- 🐛 Inconsistent Star Rating System

**Reported bugs**

- Levels with Missing Obstacles
- Reward Box Tapping Issue
- Inconsistent Star Rating System
- Soft Locks with Rainbow Tiles
- Crashes on Opening

**Requested features**

- Level Editor
- Endless/Survival Mode
- Improved Power-Up Interactions
- Hints or Shuffle Option
- Landscape Support for iPad


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Fraud Tycoon free?

Fraud Tycoon is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Simple Match 3 free?

Simple Match 3 costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Fraud Tycoon or Simple Match 3?

Fraud Tycoon and Simple Match 3 are both rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, from 64 and 247 ratings respectively.

### Do Fraud Tycoon or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither Fraud Tycoon nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Fraud Tycoon or Simple Match 3?

Fraud Tycoon ships an update every 23 months, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, Fraud Tycoon was updated on October 1, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on October 17, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*