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Fake WhatsApp App Appears in Google Play Store
By Drooid · · How we work
Fake WhatsApp App Appears in Google Play Store
A user on Reddit reported seeing a counterfeit version of WhatsApp listed in a “sponsored” slot above the legitimate app on Google Play. The impostor is published by a developer identified only as “Agment Assets sallu,” which has no other apps on the store.
How the Impostor Mimics the Official App
The fraudulent listing uses the same icon, screenshots, and descriptive text as the authentic WhatsApp application. In contrast, the genuine app displays an “editor’s choice” badge, has accumulated over 10 billion downloads, and holds more than 246 million user reviews.
Download Numbers and Visibility
Android Authority noted that the fake version has already amassed over 500,000 downloads while its Play Store page remains active at the time of writing. The clone may be leveraging Google Play’s Early Access program, which can suppress public user reviews and thereby limit warnings to prospective downloaders.
Official Response and Platform Policies
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the presence of the counterfeit app or the developer’s identity. No public statement has been issued about whether the Early Access program is being misused in this case.
Potential Risks for Users
Because the impostor mirrors the official app’s branding, users may inadvertently install it, exposing themselves to potential privacy breaches or malware. The lack of user reviews further reduces the chance that downloaders will be alerted to the deception before installation.