GoKawiilFake WhatsApp app surfaces as sponsored listing above real app on Play Store
A Reddit user flagged a counterfeit WhatsApp listing appearing in a sponsored slot ahead of the genuine app on Google's Play Store, as first reported by Android Authority. The fake app, from an unknown developer called 'Agment Assets sallu,' has over 500,000 downloads and copies WhatsApp's icon, screenshots and description text. Google has not responded to a request for comment, and the listing remained live at the time of reporting.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The incident follows a similar fake Chrome listing found on the Play Store days earlier, suggesting a pattern of impostor apps slipping past Google's review and sponsored-ad vetting. Android Authority notes the developer may have used Google Play's Early Access program to disable public reviews, which could prevent users from warning others before downloading. This raises questions about how effectively Google screens paid placements for brand impersonation and malware risk.
- A fake WhatsApp app reportedly appeared as a sponsored listing above the real app on Google Play.
- The counterfeit, from developer 'Agment Assets sallu,' has over 500,000 downloads and mimics WhatsApp's branding.
- It may have used Play's Early Access program to hide reviews, following a similar fake Chrome app incident.
Source: theverge.com — Stevie Bonifield, 2026-10-16
Published there as: “A fake WhatsApp clone is showing up before the real version on the Play Store”
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