# WhatsApp impersonator exceeds 500,000 downloads on Google Play

_Published Friday, October 16, 2026 at 12:18 PM EDT · Security, Products · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![acastro_STK460_googlePlay_04 — Primary](https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/acastro_STK460_googlePlay_04.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0%2C10.732984293194%2C100%2C78.534031413613&w=1200)

A WhatsApp impersonator has accumulated over 500,000 downloads on Google Play and reportedly appeared in a sponsored slot above the genuine app, The Verge reported. Its listing remained live when the report was published.

The app, listed by developer "Agment Assets sallu," copies WhatsApp's icon, screenshots and text. Android Authority suggested it may be using Google Play's Early Access program to disable public reviews, limiting users' ability to post warnings. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

## Sources

- [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1012918/google-play-store-fake-whatsapp-android)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/6BN1cSKRunNnxLpyQ_SBsn
Published: 2026-10-16T16:18:15.442Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-16T15:02:23.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-16T19:06:13.240Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)