A fake WhatsApp clone is showing up before the real version on the Play Store
After a Chrome clone was spotted on the Play Store earlier this week, a user on Reddit says they're seeing a fake version of WhatsApp in a "sponsored" slot above the real version. As reported earlier by Android Authority, the WhatsApp dupe has racked up over 500,000 downloads and, at the time of writing, its Play Store listing is still live. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The WhatsApp…
Key points
- A fake WhatsApp app appeared in a sponsored Play Store slot above the real version.
- The clone has over 500,000 downloads and its listing is still live.
- It may use Google Play's Early Access program to hide public user reviews.
A fake version of WhatsApp has been found on the Google Play Store, appearing in a sponsored slot above the real app. A Reddit user reported seeing the clone, according to Android Authority.
The impostor app has more than 500,000 downloads and its Play Store listing was still live at the time of writing. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
How the clone mimics WhatsApp
The clone is from a developer called Agment Assets sallu, who has nothing else listed on the Play Store. Its listing uses the same icon, screenshots, and text as the real WhatsApp.
The genuine WhatsApp has over 10 billion downloads, an editor's choice badge, and more than 246 million reviews.
sponsored
— Reddit user
Possible review workaround
Android Authority points out that the clone may be using Google Play's Early Access program to disable public user reviews. That could have stopped users from warning others against downloading the app.
