Fake 'WhatsApp Business' app on Google Play Store fools thousands
A fake 'WhatsApp Business' app on Google Store has been fooling users successfully and now has thousands of downloads. It was first reported by Twitter user @MujtabaMHaq and WABetaInfo, which tracks changes on WhatsApp. Though there are many fake WhatsApp apps, this one is significant as it is pretending to be a yet unreleased but highly anticipated new WhatsApp version called 'WhatsApp Business'.
About the much-awaited WhatsApp for Business app
With WhatsApp for Business, users will be able to operate both private and professional versions of the app on a single phone. The Business version will have a Verified/Unverified badge to identify authentic firms. In India, one of the first firms that's using this feature is BookMyShow. Reports suggest that WhatsApp is also negotiating with other firms such as Ola, OYO and some airlines.
WABetaInfo urges users to stop downloading the fake app
Meanwhile, developers have changed the name of the fake app
The fake app is apparently spamming users' phones with ads, complained some on Google Play store. Others seem to be unable to login at all. Surprisingly, despite users calling it a "fraud app" and accusing it of "data theft", it still has a high rating. Amid the hullabaloo, the developers have changed the app's name to "Update Whatsapp". Beware of such malicious apps!
