ANYONE who uses WhatsApp should check their app today.
You may have accidentally (or intentionally) downloaded a fake version of the app – with very serious consequences.
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These fraudulent WhatsApp “clones” could see you spied on or even have your account banned.
An official WhatsApp warning urges all users to make sure they’re using the proper app.
Often these apps promise extra features that are unavailable in the regular version of WhatsApp – but carry huge risks.
“Unofficial Whatsapp apps are altered versions of our app, which means they’re developed by third-parties and violate our Terms of Service,” WhatsApp warned.
“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.”
There are real dangers if you’re using a fake app.
It’s possible that total strangers may be able to read your messages and see your photos.
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And it could even put you at risk of being banned from WhatsApp.
“These apps put your privacy, security, and safety at risk,” WhatsApp explained.
“If you’re using them, there’s no guarantee your messages or your data, like your location or the files you share, will be private and secure.
“Your account might also be temporarily or permanently banned.”
To make sure you’re using the correct app, check the official store pages for iPhone on iOS, and on Android:
The official version of WhatsApp will have millions of ratings and billions of downloads.
You may have already received an alert from Google if you’re using one of these apps.
Google issues warnings to users who have downloaded WhatsApp “clones”.
So you may have noticed an alert pop up that reads “This app is fake.”
“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.”
Sadly there’s no guarantee that switching back to the official WhatsApp will allow you to migrate your chat history.
So you may need to give up your old texts when you move to the official WhatsApp.
Still, it’s a price worth paying if it means that your future messages are safe from prying eyes.
