iPhone and Android users across the world have been urged to be wary of “clones” of the leading message platform WhatsApp.
And choosing the wrong app when it appears to be WhatsApp could even be putting your most intimate messages out there for strangers to read.
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The problem with clones of the popular messaging app has sparked a warning from the actual WhatsApp creators for users to ensure they have downloaded and installed the real deal.
“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, according to The Sun.
“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.”
The app’s support team warned there was no way to be sure that your messages were safe when using one of the clone versions of the chat platform.
Use of fake versions also constitutes a breach of WhatsApp’s terms of service, which could lead to you being restricted from using the actual app.
WhatsApp has highlighted at least two modified versions of the app which contained malware and which users on both iPhone and Android should steer clear of: Whatsapp Plus and GB Whatsapp.
Potential warning signs that you are using a fake version of WhatsApp are requests for membership fees - there is no fee to use the real app - or any use of advertisements.
While Google is likely to warn Android users in its app store when they attempt to download fraudulent versions of WhatsApp that it is fraudulent and may be uninstalled as a result, it’s still not a foolproof system.
The best thing users can do is to head to the official iPhone download site here or if on Android, go to the official GooglePlay site for WhatsApp here.
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