A fake version of WhatsApp reportedly appeared in a sponsored slot above the real app on the Google Play Store, according to a Reddit user cited by The Verge. The listing, which has since been reported by Android Authority, is said to have accumulated over 500,000 downloads and was still live at the time of writing.
The clone was published by a developer calling themselves “Agment Assets sallu,” who has no other apps listed on the Play Store, according to The Verge. The listing reportedly copies the real WhatsApp's icon, screenshots and description, making it difficult for casual users to tell the two apart at a glance.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the situation, and it remains unclear whether the app has been removed. The incident follows the discovery of a similar Chrome clone on the Play Store earlier this week, suggesting a broader problem with impersonation apps on the platform.
How the fake WhatsApp clone spread
According to The Verge, the fake WhatsApp appeared as a sponsored result on the Play Store, which means it was promoted above the official listing. Sponsored ads are normally reserved for legitimate developers, but bad actors can apparently exploit the system to push copycat apps.
Android Authority points out that the clone may have used Google Play's Early Access program to disable public user reviews. If true, this would have prevented users from posting warnings that could have alerted others before they downloaded the app.
- Over 500,000 downloads reported
- Developer identified as “Agment Assets sallu,” with no other apps on the Play Store
- Listing copied the real WhatsApp's icon, screenshots and text
