If you use WhatsApp on your phone, it is important to double-check that you have the official version. This caution comes directly from the messaging app, which has highlighted a specific four-word warning message to watch for.
According to a post on the WhatsApp Help Center, the key phrase to look out for is “This app is fake.”
WhatsApp further explains: “If you’ve received this Play Protect Warning from Google, you’re likely using an unofficial version of WhatsApp.”
It adds: “Due to security concerns, Google may disable and uninstall these applications.” It further explains: “Unofficial WhatsApp apps are altered versions developed by third-parties and violate our Terms of Service. We don’t support these apps because they put your privacy, security, and safety at risk.”
Learn more about unofficial versions of WhatsApp in their article.
To make sure you have the correct app, they recommend that Android users uninstall the unofficial app, visit their official website and download either WhatsApp or the WhatsApp Business appp. After you do this, the suggest you re-register your phone number. However, they caution: “We can’t guarantee that your chat history will transfer because WhatsApp doesn’t support unofficial apps.”
As well as this, anyone with WhatsApp on their phone – regardless of what type – should remain alert and follow three new rules if they want to keep their accounts safe and comes amid a warning from Action Fraud. In a recent warning, the Mirror explains: “The cyber crime prevention team says it’s now vital to check WhatsApp accounts and make sure two-step verification is switched on.
“Once activated, nobody can log in unless verified on a secondary device. This means users can instantly see and stop rogue attempts at accessing accounts.” You can read more about the UK WhatsApp red alert via the Mirror.
