Billions of WhatsApp users must never ignore Google warning – it’s extremely dangerous
ANYONE using WhatsApp on an Android phone must be on the look-out for an important Google message.
It may mean that you’re in serious danger of being spied on.
An official WhatsApp warning revealed that you may be at risk if you see it.
The message from Google reads: “This app is fake…”.
What it means is that you’ve accidentally (or intentionally) started using a fake version of WhatsApp.
“If you’ve received this Play Protect Warning from Google, you’re likely using an unauthorized and unofficial version of WhatsApp,” WhatsApp explained.
“Due to security concerns, Google may disable and uninstall these applications.”
Fake versions of WhatsApp can take many forms.
It may be a rogue app designed to spy on you or conduct some other criminal activity.
In that case, you likely downloaded it by accident.
Or it could be an app that you downloaded intentionally because it offered extra features.
Of course this could still be a dangerous criminal enterprise.
And even if it’s not operated by cybercriminals, your messages may still be less protected.
“Unofficial Whatsapp apps are altered versions of our app, which means they’re developed by third-parties and violate our Terms of Service,” WhatsApp advised.
“We don’t support these apps because they put your privacy, security, and safety at risk.
“If you use them, there’s no guarantee your messages or your data like your location or the files you share will be private and secure.”
If you receive the warning, the best thing to do is install the official version of WhatsApp.
Delete the fake version and switch to the legitimate one so you know your messages are safe.
You can download WhatsApp for Android here:
- WhatsApp for Android – download here
To be sure, remember to check that the app has millions of ratings and billions of downloads.
That way you’ll know that you’re downloading the main version of WhatsApp.