Video call app Houseparty has offered a reward worth over £800,000 after claiming hacking rumours were part of a paid commercial smear campaign.
The app has boomed in popularity amid the coronavirus lockdown, allowing multiple friends to video call each other at one time in a virtual meet-up.
However, the developers, Epic Games, have found themselves fighting off rumours that the app was to blame for accounts on PayPal, Netflix and Spotify being hacked.
Despite dozens of users urging others to delete the app on social media, Houseparty has insisted there is no evidence of a data breach.
A spokesperson said: "We've found no evidence to suggest a link between Houseparty and the compromises of other unrelated accounts.
"As a general rule, we suggest all users choose strong passwords when creating online accounts on any platform.
"Use a unique password for each account, and use a password generator or password manager to keep track of passwords, rather than using passwords that are short and simple.”
They are now said to be investigating the hacking rumours and are offering a $1,000,000 reward for proof of sabotage.
A statement Houseparty's Twitter read: "We are investigating indications that the recent hacking rumors were spread by a paid commercial smear campaign to harm Houseparty.
"We are offering a $1,000,000 bounty for the first individual to provide proof of such a campaign to bounty@houseparty.com."
One person wrote on Twitter: "Didn’t realise what was happening when I got these emails but is 100% that Houseparty app!
"Three new logins to my Spotify and someone tried to reset my password for Netflix! Not worth it the risk."
But another said the rumour were "fake news", writing: "Can’t believe everyone’s believing that fake news about the house party app. Why would anyone wanna hack your Spotify account when all your playlists are Lewis Capaldi, Lizzo and Sam Smith."
"This app has been around since 2016, so there would be stories from then on this happening. your Spotify, Amazon and bank aren’t connected to this app in anyway.
"Before an app is placed on app store it is examined completely for this reason exactly", said another.
