A shocking news has emerged for the users of WhatsApp. A third-party app by the name of WhatsApp Messenger has been listed on Google Play Store, which is reported to have more than 5 lakh downloads. Surprisingly, this app was appearing above the official WhatsApp app as a sponsored listing in the search results. This may increase the risk of users downloading fake apps by mistake.
A user on Reddit identified this app, after which Android Authority and The Verge also reported the matter. At the time of The Verge’s report on October 16, this app was available on the Google Play Store. However, there was no immediate response from Google on this matter.
How did the fake app get listed in the name of WhatsApp?
According to the report, this app was listed with the name ‘WhatsApp Messenger’ and it was published by a developer named ‘Agment Assets sallu’. No other app was listed on the platform in the name of this developer.
Icons, screenshots and descriptions similar to the real WhatsApp were used in the fake app. In such a situation, it can be difficult to differentiate between real and fake apps just by looking at the name or logo of the app.
In comparison, the official WhatsApp Messenger app has been published by WhatsApp LLC. According to The Verge report, the downloads of the official app are more than 10 billion. Additionally, it has received the ‘Editor’s Choice’ badge and has more than 246 million reviews.
Android Authority also expressed apprehension that the fake app may be using the Early Access Program of Google Play Store. If this were the case, users may have had fewer opportunities to see other people’s warnings because public reviews were less visible.
How to avoid fake apps on Google Play Store?
Before downloading any app, definitely check the name of its developer. In case of WhatsApp Messenger, the name of the official developer should be WhatsApp LLC. Along with this, also see the number of downloads, reviews and other information of the app.
Keep in mind that appearing at the top of an app’s search results or having sponsored written along with it does not guarantee that it is an official app. So do not install the app just by looking at the icon and name.
What to do if you download a fake WhatsApp app?
If you have installed a suspicious WhatsApp app, uninstall it immediately and also check the permissions given by going to the phone’s settings. If you have entered your account information or verification code in that app, then take necessary steps to secure your WhatsApp account.
Never share the WhatsApp registration code with any other person. This incident is a reminder that not every app available on the official app store is trustworthy. It is important to verify the identity of the developer before downloading.
