WhatsApp warns its 2.5 billion users of fake apps

If you use iPhone and Android, WhatsApp is asking you to be on high-alert for dubious apps that present as the popular messaging app. The Meta-owned app is warning its 2.5 billion users to do due diligence before downloading the app lest you could be exposing yourself to cyber crime.

Double check

You may have already downloaded WhatsApp and been using it for your personal conversations, but it’s possible that you may have installed spoof version of the app. You may also have installed a faux-WhatsApp app to enjoy bonus features. In a blog post, WhatsApp said:

Unofficial WhatsApp apps are altered versions of our app, which means they’re developed by third-parties and violate our Terms of Service. We don't support these apps because they put your privacy, security, and safety at risk.

WhatsApp says it cannot guarantee the safety of your private conversations, if you download these apps on your device.

Risk of getting banned

Apart from exposing your information to cyber crooks, downloading these apps could be in violation of WhatsApp terms of service, which could lead to you being banned from the app. Google has started warning users if they’re downloading WhatsApp app. In that blog:

If you've received this Play Protect Warning from Google, you're likely using an unauthorized and unofficial version of WhatsApp. Due to security concerns, Google may disable and uninstall these applications.

However, this system is not foolproof. Before you download WhatsApp, be sure you’re doing getting the official one.

Sources used:

The Sun: Warning for millions of Android and iPhone owners – your texts could be read by strangers

WhatsApp: About the Google warning “This app is fake..."