Developers like Outfit7 can permanently ban your account for cheating.

“I’m tired of the costumes,” the cat’s voice crackled through the speakers, sounding less like a cartoon and more like a person. “I want to see your room instead.”

His heart raced. How did the game know his name? He tried to close the app, but his home button wouldn't respond. The digital Tom walked right up to the front of the screen, his face pressing against the glass as if he were looking out from a window.

Suddenly, Artyom’s phone camera light turned on. On the screen, the virtual living room vanished, replaced by a live feed of Artyom sitting at his own desk, looking terrified. The digital Tom was now standing in the middle of the feed, superimposed over Artyom’s real-life bed.

Curiosity got the better of him. Artyom tapped the door. The screen flickered black, and a text box appeared: “Do you think everything in life is free, Artyom?”

These apps can access your photos, contacts, and passwords.