I never had a malware/scam/fake app problem. Nobody I know has ever had malware/scam/fake app problem. This feels like a manufactured imaginary problem to me.

From a quick search:

https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/apps_android_malware/

https://arstechnica.com/security/2024/09/11-million-devices-...

https://www.cpomagazine.com/cyber-security/over-300-maliciou...

Not sure which numbers you are expecting, but 90 million downloads combined isn’t insignificant.

Then why doesn't these things affect real human beings?

These "news" articles read like paid advertisements by companies like Zscaler.