Fake WhatsApp apps promising additional features are currently spreading in the Play Store in order to steal users’ personal data.
The alert was launched by Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp within the Meta group. “Downloading a fake or modded version of WhatsApp is never a good idea. These apps seem harmless, but they can circumvent WhatsApp’s privacy and security safeguards. Among these deceptions, there is, among others, the HeyWhatsApp application, offering as an example alternatives to customize the colors and design of the interface. The manager then strongly recommended downloading the WhatsApp app only through the official store or the messaging service’s website.
Currently, only Android phone users are affected by this threat, since iPhone followers are not allowed to download applications not approved by the App Store.