# Fake WhatsApp app appears on Google Play ahead of the real release

A counterfeit version of WhatsApp has surfaced on the Google Play Store, showing up before the official app version it imitates. The clone risks tricking Android users into downloading an imposter that could harvest data or push malware. It highlights how quickly scammers exploit demand for popular apps, even inside Google's own store.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Technology
- [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1012918/google-play-store-fake-whatsapp-android) — 2026-10-16T11:02:23-04:00