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Someone made a fake version of WhatsApp and it was downloaded over 1 million times

It only took 1 million downloads until Google figured out something wasn’t right.

Fake whatsapp
Image: Business Insider

Over the weekend, Google removed a fake version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store. The damage has been done because it was reportedly downloaded over 1 million times.

The app, which was called “Update WhatsApp Messenger,” looks as if it was developed by the folks behind the popular messaging service,”WhatsApp Inc.”.

Reddit users were the first ones to notice something wasn’t right. After digging through the app’s source code, users found an invisible character at the end of the developer’s name, making it seem like the WhatsApp team developed it.

Reddit users also noted that the app displayed ads and could additionally install software on users phones.

If you or someone you know downloaded this fake version of WhatsApp, delete the app immediately. Regular users of WhatsApp will not be affected.

> BBC via Reddit

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Kevin is KnowTechie's founder and executive editor. With over 15 years of blogging experience in the tech industry, Kevin has transformed what was once a passion project into a full-blown tech news publication. Shoot him an email at kevin@knowtechie.com or find him on Mastodon or Post.

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