UPDATE ONE - Monday 2pm GMT: A fake version of WhatsApp has been downloaded more than one million times from the Google Play Store.
The news comes after Express.co.uk warned about another fake app that had appeared on the Android app store.
But the latest breach is even more shocking.
The 'Update WhatsApp Messenger' app appeared on the Google Play Store and looked like it had been developed by the real makers of WhatsApp.
The Google Play Store page for the fake app claimed the programme had been developed by WhatsApp Inc.
However, it was instead a fake app that contained adverts and download software onto a user's device.
The app has been removed from the Google Play Store, as has the other fake app Express.co.uk alerted users about over the weekend.
ORIGINAL - Sunday 9.45am GMT: WhatsApp fans have been told to avoid a fake version of that app that has been dubbed a “fraud app” and “data theft” programme.
The bogus programme appears to be a fake version of the upcoming WhatsApp business app and is available to download from the Android app store.
Alerting users to the issue one Android user on Google Play complained that the app was full of adverts, while another claimed it was being used for “data theft”.
In the review section for the app, one Android user wrote: “Why do Google allow this type of fake apps on playstore to do business.
“It's a fake app and never ever download it.”
Another posted: “I am not able to open it”.
And one added: “Fake website, don't install, all data theft”.
The fake app was flagged up by tweeter @MujtabaMHaq and WABetaInfo, a Twitter account about all things WhatsApp.
WABetaInfo tweeted: “Thanks to report this.
“Please followers, DON'T DOWNLOAD THIS APP! IT'S FAKE!
“WhatsApp Business IS NOT OFFICIALLY AVAILABLE YET FOR ALL.
“Check only official channels to download WhatsApp Business in future.
“@WhatsApp should ask to @GooglePlay to remove it as soon as possible.”
Since the fake WhatsApp Business app was flagged up, the name of the app has now been changed to ‘Update WhatsApp’.
Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.express_logo_poppy
Search...
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Check us on Google+
Subscribe to our rss feed
Daily
HoroscopeOur
AppsTop
10Our
PaperPaper
ArchiveWeather12°
London
HOME
NEWS
SHOWBIZ & TV
SPORT
COMMENT
FINANCE
TRAVEL
ENTERTAINMENT
LIFE & STYLE
STYLELIFEHEALTHCARSGARDENFOODPROPERTYDIETSTECHSATURDAYWINS MAGTOP 10 FACTS
HomeLife & StyleTechWhatsApp WARNING - Whatever you do DON'T download this fake update
PC mob don't like it but Europe's literary history's mostly white, says VIRGINIA BLACKBURN
PC mob don't like it but Europe's literary history's mostly…
Does a peaceful sleep exist anymore? - asks MINDY HAMMOND
Does a peaceful sleep exist anymore? - asks MINDY HAMMOND
A lot of ugly beasts stalk beauties, says RICHARD & JUDY
A lot of ugly beasts stalk beauties, says RICHARD & JUDY
Hate crime is a meaningless and dangerous myth, says LEO MCKINSTRY
Hate crime is a meaningless and dangerous myth, says LEO…
Is no one allowed to flirt today? asks VANESSA FELTZ
Is no one allowed to flirt today? asks VANESSA FELTZ
WhatsApp WARNING - Whatever you do DON'T download this fake update
WHATSAPP users have been put on alert about a fake version of the popular messaging app that is available to download from the Google Play store.
By DION DASSANAYAKE
PUBLISHED: 14:01, Mon, Nov 6, 2017 | UPDATED: 14:05, Mon, Nov 6, 2017
WhatsApp download warningGETTY
WhatsApp download warning
UPDATE ONE - Monday 2pm GMT: A fake version of WhatsApp has been downloaded more than one million times from the Google Play Store.
The news comes after Express.co.uk warned about another fake app that had appeared on the Android app store.
But the latest breach is even more shocking.
The 'Update WhatsApp Messenger' app appeared on the Google Play Store and looked like it had been developed by the real makers of WhatsApp.
The Google Play Store page for the fake app claimed the programme had been developed by WhatsApp Inc.
However, it was instead a fake app that contained adverts and download software onto a user's device.
The app has been removed from the Google Play Store, as has the other fake app Express.co.uk alerted users about over the weekend.
ORIGINAL - Sunday 9.45am GMT: WhatsApp fans have been told to avoid a fake version of that app that has been dubbed a “fraud app” and “data theft” programme.
The bogus programme appears to be a fake version of the upcoming WhatsApp business app and is available to download from the Android app store.
Alerting users to the issue one Android user on Google Play complained that the app was full of adverts, while another claimed it was being used for “data theft”.
In the review section for the app, one Android user wrote: “Why do Google allow this type of fake apps on playstore to do business.
“It's a fake app and never ever download it.”
Another posted: “I am not able to open it”.
And one added: “Fake website, don't install, all data theft”.
WhatsApp: Hidden Tips, Tricks and Features You Never Knew
Mon, June 20, 2016
WhatsApp is the world's most popular messaging app but you probably don't know all of the tricks and features hidden up its sleeve. Here's everything you need to know to master WhatsApp.
PLAY SLIDESHOW
WhatsApp - Hidden tricks and features you probably don't know, but definitely should be using WHATSAPP • EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS1 of 10
WhatsApp - Hidden tricks and features you probably don't know, but definitely should be using
The fake app was flagged up by tweeter @MujtabaMHaq and WABetaInfo, a Twitter account about all things WhatsApp.
WABetaInfo tweeted: “Thanks to report this.
“Please followers, DON'T DOWNLOAD THIS APP! IT'S FAKE!
“WhatsApp Business IS NOT OFFICIALLY AVAILABLE YET FOR ALL.
“Check only official channels to download WhatsApp Business in future.
“@WhatsApp should ask to @GooglePlay to remove it as soon as possible.”
Since the fake WhatsApp Business app was flagged up, the name of the app has now been changed to ‘Update WhatsApp’.
WhatsApp working on new feature 'WhatsApp Business'
Play Video
The WhatsApp Business app is expected to launch in the near future and is designed to make it easier for business to communicate with regular users.
WhatsApp users will be able to place orders through the app and even receive updates from companies on it.
WhatsApp COO Matt Idema talked about WhatsApp Business earlier this year.
Idema said: “We want to put a basic foundation in place to allow people to message businesses and for them to get the responses that they want.
“We do intend on charging businesses in the future.”
An early version of the service has been made available to testers, although there is no official launch date for the general public.
echnology blog Android Police has trawled through the latest beta version and highlighted a number of new features coming to WhatsApp Business.
WhatsApp will support landline numbers for the first time with WhatsApp Business.
That means customers who call or message your landline number will appear within the WhatsApp client.
Customers who would usually use the chat window on a businesses’ website will also now be able to send them a message within WhatsApp.
You cannot download WhatsApp Business right now, but it is possible to sign-up to test it in the future here.