A fake WhatsApp clone is showing up before the real version on the Play Store
News Source
β’2026-10-16T11:02:23-04:00
π° What Happened
A fake version of WhatsApp has been found on the Google Play Store. A Reddit user said it showed up in a sponsored slot above the real app. The clone has racked up over 500,000 downloads, and its listing was still live. It comes from a developer called 'Agment Assets sallu'. Google did not respond to a request for comment.
π The Backstory
The fake app copies the real WhatsApp icon, screenshots and description. The real app has over 10 billion downloads and 246 million reviews. Reports say the clone may use Google Play's Early Access program to switch off public reviews. That stops users from warning each other. A fake Chrome app was spotted on the store earlier this week.
π― Why It Matters
Fake apps can steal your messages, passwords and money. Always check the developer name and download count before you install an app.
A fake version of WhatsApp has been found on the Google Play Store. A Reddit user said it showed up in a sponsored slot above the real app. The clone has racked up over 500,000 downloads, and its listing was still live. It comes from a developer called 'Agment Assets sallu'. Google did not respond to a request for comment.
The fake app copies the real WhatsApp icon, screenshots and description. The real app has over 10 billion downloads and 246 million reviews. Reports say the clone may use Google Play's Early Access program to switch off public reviews. That stops users from warning each other. A fake Chrome app was spotted on the store earlier this week.
Fake apps can steal your messages, passwords and money. Always check the developer name and download count before you install an app.