Online you can find fake WhatsApp apps that promise extra features, but actually steal users’ data
The interface is identical to that of WhatsApp, the only difference being that they have a different name and offer extra features than the messaging app. We are talking about WhatsApp fake apps, apps with millions of downloads that promise phantasmagoric tools but actually hide serious dangers to the security of personal data. These applications are well known to Italian users who have abused them in the past, thinking it was legal to use them instead of WhatsApp.
The various GBWhatsapp, YoWhatsapp and FMQhatsapp are again among the most downloaded apps in some parts of the World in recent months. A lot of users, enticed by the premium features, are once again installing them on their devices, not caring about the dangers. What is the risk of installing one of these apps? There are several dangers: malware that blocks the use of the PC, messages that no longer use end-to-end encryption and can therefore be read by any hacker. But that’s not all. In WhatsApp’s terms of use, these applications are banned and if caught using them, you risk permanent account deletion.
What are WhatsApp fake apps
These are applications that allow you to exchange messages using the WhatsApp platform, but offer some premium features not present in the messaging app. They are popular especially among teenagers who do not care about issues related to cyber security. Among the most downloaded WhatsApp fake apps are: GBWhatsapp, YoWhatsapp and FMQhatsapp and WhatsApp Plus.
GBWhatsapp, YoWhatsapp and FMQhatsapp, what are the premium features
What do fake WhatsApp apps offer that is so special? They are very different tools. Some, for example, allow you to send images and videos without any limitation in size, or to manage multiple accounts simultaneously on the same device. Others integrate tools to customize chats, from the font to the size of messages. Features that for many seem useless, but for a segment of users turn out to be fundamental.
GBWhatsapp, YoWhatsapp and FMQhatsapp, what are the dangers
If the message we have given so far is not clear, we repeat it once again: fake WhatsApp apps are dangerous for the users who use them. First of all, they are apps that are downloaded from third-party online stores (they cannot be published on the Google Play Store because they are immediately deleted) whose nature is unknown and on which the controls are minimal. So you don’t know if there is malware hidden inside the app that can infect and make your smartphone unusable.
Also, these apps don’t use the end-to-end encryption system that protects the messages we send every day on WhatsApp. This means that any hacker can get hold of our messages without us being able to do anything to defend personal data.
Finally, using apps like GBWhatsapp, YoWhatsapp and FMQhatsapp is prohibited by WhatsApp’s terms of use. Those caught “with their hands in the cookie jar” risk account deletion with no chance of returning to WhatsApp, except by changing their phone number.