October 21, 2026, 6:19 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Fake apps are not uncommon in official app stores. However, a recent case shows how difficult such applications can be to spot at first glance. A fake WhatsApp app has apparently reached around 500,000 downloads in the Google Play Store.
Fake App Looks Extremely Similar to WhatsApp
The application closely resembles the original. The app icon and name are identical. Apparently, screenshots and description texts from the official WhatsApp app were also used. However, the developer provides an important clue. Instead of the official provider, Meta’s subsidiary WhatsApp LLC, the unusual name “Agment Assets sallu” is listed.
The placement of the application is also critical. Screenshots circulating on “Reddit” are said to show that the fake app was displayed to some users as a sponsored search result. At times, this allowed it to appear particularly prominently in searches.
Why Reviews as Warning Signals Are Missing
As the online magazine “AndroidAuthority” reports, the people behind the fake app apparently take advantage of the Google Early Access program. For such apps, public user reviews are disabled. This can be problematic for a fake app. Other users cannot warn potential victims through reviews.
Also interesting: How to Easily Uncover Fake Apps
What the developer intends with the application is currently unclear. Therefore, it is generally worthwhile to check the provider before installing any app. For the official WhatsApp app, WhatsApp LLC must be listed as the developer.