download WhatsApp only through the official channels
WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart is warning users who install a fake or modified version of WhatsApp outside of Google and Apple app stores. These apps may seem harmless, but they are not.
Contents
WhatsApp is popular
WhatsApp is popular not only for people who use the chat app on a daily basis but also for people with bad intentions. We’ve had articles on WhatsApp fraud many times since our website’s inception, and we’ll continue to do so. For example, in the beginning we already saw the false new color message and a fake advertisement. Both articles are about criminals who want to deceive unsuspecting WhatsApp users. One through a suspicious WhatsApp URL, the other through fake ads and fake chain letters.
In the years since, WhatsApp fraud has unfortunately become an increasingly popular topic, including on Androidworld. For example, WhatsApp fraud accounted for the most reports to the Fraud Helpdesk in 2020. The police and the Public Prosecution Service recently also called for extra attention to WhatsApp fraud because more and more so-called relatives, friends or close acquaintances ask victims for urgent financial help via WhatsApp.
whatsapp apk
WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart warns conversely, for fake or modified versions of WhatsApp downloaded outside of the Google and Apple app stores. The makers of these fake WhatsApp apps promise to come up with new features, but in reality they are just tools for fraudsters to steal personal information from smartphones. WhatsApp is working with Google to combat the malware, even when it comes to apps outside the Play Store. Google Play Protect can detect and disable these fake apps.
In February, the number of active WhatsApp users reached two billion, so adversaries have a huge audience that they can manipulate to achieve criminal goals. So we recommend that you only use the official version of the app that is available on the Google Play Store or via WhatsApp itself.
WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp is the incredibly popular chat service that is available for Android, but also for other platforms such as iOS. With this app you can message..
More info
Still a victim of WhatsApp fraud?
In this article you will find 8 tips to secure your WhatsApp. Have you fallen victim to a scam? Turn on two-step verification for WhatsApp right now if you haven’t already done so. Do too online reporting of the WhatsApp fraud to the police. In this article you can read what else to do if you are a victim of WhatsApp fraud.
Would you like to know more about fraud and the many forms of internet fraud? Check this page on Androidworld.
