Urgent warning to all WhatsApp users over simple mistake that could lead to an account BAN – check yours now
WHATSAPP users have been warned that installing any of three copycat messenger apps could get them banned.
FM WhatsApp, GB WhatsApp and Yo WhatsApp copied Meta’s popular messenger to lure in unsuspecting users – but they’re not sure.
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These three “dupe” apps are essentially modified versions of WhatsApp.
They often come with features that the real WhatsApp doesn’t have, which can trick users into downloading.
But according to expert @osy_tech on TikTok, these apps are “not safe or secure to use” and smartphone users should always opt for the official WhatsApp messenger instead.
“The reason is because these apps have security issues… Your files and data can be exposed or shared with third parties, which means your videos and images can be exposed,” Osy explained.
According to Osy, users can be temporarily blocked from using the apps.
What is perhaps worse than the temporary blocking of the official WhatsApp is the success of FM WhatsApp, GB WhatsApp and Yo WhatsApp in spreading malware.
Kaspersky cybersecurity experts have already concluded that FM WhatsApp and Yo WhatsApp are legitimate and safe apps.
In 2021 and 2022, experts discovered that both apps download trojan software onto smartphones that display ads, secretly subscribe users to paid content and steal their WhatsApp accounts.
While web security company ESET revealed last year that GB WhatsApp was one of the prime suspects in spreading malware after a surge in Trojan horse software was detected in India.
Luckily, you won’t find these apps on the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
They need to be sideloaded for other sources, which the average WhatsApp user probably won’t do.
According to Kaspersky, these apps “got the attention of malware distributors because they have a sizeable user base.”
“The fact that the mod wasn’t allowed on Google Play played into the hands of the criminals.
“As a result, users are used to downloading YoWhatsApp from sources of different trustworthiness.”
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