The news of more than 5 lakh downloads of a suspicious app by the name of WhatsApp Messenger came to light on Google Play Store. According to the report, this app looked like the official WhatsApp and was visible in the sponsored listing on search. In such a situation, it is important for users to recognize the difference between real and fake apps.
Today WhatsApp has become an important part of the everyday life of crores of people. People use it for personal conversations and to share important documents and other information. In such a situation, downloading any fake app in the name of WhatsApp can pose a risk to the security of the users. Recently, news of the presence of a suspicious third-party app by the name of WhatsApp Messenger came to light on Google Play Store, which was reported to have been downloaded more than 5 lakh times. According to the report, this app was visible as a sponsored listing when searching for WhatsApp. This could confuse users that they are downloading the official app only. A user on Reddit first drew attention to this app. After this, Android Authority and The Verge also published reports regarding this matter. According to The Verge’s October 16 report, at that time this app was available on Google Play Store.
How did a suspicious app appear in the name of WhatsApp?
According to the report, the suspicious app was published by a developer named Augment Assets sallu. It used icons, screenshots and descriptions similar to the official WhatsApp. Because of this, it could be difficult to identify the authenticity of the app just by looking at its name or logo. At the same time, the official WhatsApp Messenger has been published by WhatsApp LLC. The report also mentioned that the official app has crossed 10 billion downloads. It is clear from this case that the appearance of an app on Google Play Store or appearing at the top of the search is not in itself a guarantee of its credibility.
How to Identify Original WhatsApp on Google Play Store?
Before installing any app, it is better to check some important things.
- See developer name. The developer of the official WhatsApp Messenger is WhatsApp LLC.
- Check the number of downloads and reviews of the app.
- Match the app description and official information.
- Don’t trust an app just by looking at its logo, name, or screenshots.
- Do not rely on sponsored or advertised listings as proof of authenticity.
- To download WhatsApp, it is a safer option to go to the Google Play Store link from its official website.
What to do if you have downloaded fake WhatsApp?
If you suspect that you have installed a fake app in the name of WhatsApp, instead of panicking, take some important steps immediately.
First uninstall the suspicious app. After this, go to the phone’s settings and check the permissions given to it. If you’ve entered any personal information, password, or verification code into the app, prioritize the security of your account.
If you entered a WhatsApp registration code, re-register your number in the official WhatsApp app and check your account security settings. Remove unknown devices or linked devices associated with your account. If necessary, check the security of the phone and also change the passwords of important accounts.
The most important thing is not to share WhatsApp’s verification code or two-step verification PIN with anyone. Use official support channels in case of any suspicious activity.
Do not make this mistake while downloading the app
This case reminds users that not every app on the official app store should be considered safe without testing. Before downloading any app, check the developer, review, download and official website information. A little caution can help protect you from fake apps and the potential security risks associated with them.