WhatsApp issues urgent alert to users on ‘clone’ apps that can give strangers access to your photos & messages

WhatsApphas sounded an official warning to users, urging them to ensure they’re using the correct version of the app.WhatsApp“clone” apps are doing the rounds and, although they promise extra features that are unavailable in the regular version of the app, they carry huge risks as users may be banned or even spied on.

Whatsappsaid: “Unofficial Whatsapp apps are altered versions of our app, which means they’re developed by third-parties and violate ourTerms of Service. We don’t support these apps because they put your privacy, security, and safety at risk.

"If you use them, there’s no guarantee your messages or your data like your location or the files you share will be private and secure." Dangers from using a fake app could include total strangers being able to read your messages and see your photos.

WhatsApp补充道:“把你的这些应用程序privacy, security, and safety at risk. If you’re using them, there’s no guarantee your messages or your data, like your location or the files you share, will be private and secure. Your account might also be temporarily or permanently banned."

To make sure you’re using the correct version of the app, check official store pages foriPhone on iOSand onAndroid.You’ll see that the official version ofWhatsAppwill have millions of ratings and billions of downloads.

If you’re using a fake app, you may already have received an alert fromGoogle, as the search engine issues warnings to users who have downloadedWhatsApp"clones".

WhatsApp said: "If you’ve received this Play Protect Warning fromGoogle, you’re likely using an unauthorised and unofficial version ofWhatsApp. Due to security concerns, Google may disable and uninstall these applications."

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that switching back to the officialWhatsAppapp will allow you to move over your chat history, so you might need to give up old texts to migrate to the official app.