Fake WhatsApp app reportedly crosses 5 lakh downloads on Google Play Store

New Delhi: A suspicious application impersonating WhatsApp has reportedly garnered more than five lakh downloads on the Google Play Store, raising concerns after it appeared in a sponsored search position above the official app.

The application was listed under the name ‘WhatsApp Messenger’, potentially making it difficult for users to distinguish it from the original service.

The imitation app was reportedly first spotted by a Reddit user and subsequently reported by technology publications Android Authority and The Verge. The Verge published a report on October 16, when the suspicious listing was found available on the Play Store. Google had reportedly not commented on the matter at the time.

The developer name listed for the suspicious application was ‘Agment Assets Sallu’, which had no other applications listed on the platform. In contrast, the official WhatsApp Messenger is published by WhatsApp LLC and has more than 10 billion downloads, over 246 million reviews and an ‘Editor's Choice’ badge, according to The Verge.

The imitation application reportedly uses visual elements associated with the original WhatsApp, including its icon and screenshots. This could make it harder for users who rely primarily on an app's appearance or its position in search results to identify the genuine version.

Android Authority also raised concerns that the listing's use of the Play Store's ‘Easy Access’ feature could limit the visibility of public reviews, potentially making it harder for users to spot warnings before installing the application.

The incident highlights the importance of checking an application's publisher details rather than relying solely on its name, icon or placement in search results.

Users looking to install WhatsApp have been advised to verify that the developer is listed as WhatsApp LLC and check the download count, review history and other listing details before proceeding.

Users who have installed a suspicious WhatsApp imitation are advised to uninstall it and review the permissions they granted to the application.

Those who entered account details or WhatsApp verification codes into the suspicious app should take steps to secure their accounts. Users should also never share their WhatsApp registration codes with anyone.