Not all apps are genuine, even if they appear to be. Time and again, fake and potentially malicious apps have been smuggled into the App Store and Google Play.
For example, a fake update for WhatsApp recently found its way into Google Play. A million people reportedly downloaded it and then complained about being harassed by advertising.
At first glance, such fake programs are often hard to spot as the fraudsters use graphics and symbols that look genuine. Fortunately, there are some clues as to whether an app is fake or real.
Name: Google does not allow duplicate developer names in its Play Store. Fraudsters can get past this ban by using minimal differences in spelling or invisible characters. So you should check the developer name carefully before downloading.
Download figures: If what purports to be a well-known app has low download figures, that can be an indicator that it’s not what it seems. For example, the real WhatsApp for Android has more than a billion downloads.
User feedback: It’s worth looking in the comments section for the app - users who’ve downloaded it will usually report any problems.
Use official channels: Usually, the developer’s website will have a link to the genuine app. Following this path will keep you relatively safe. – dpa
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