2026-04-03 11:04:59
WhatsApp has issued a warning to users tricked into installing a fake app containing spyware.
The Meta-owned instant messaging platform has notified around 200 users who installed a malicious fake version of its platform for iPhones, which they have accused Italian spyware firm SIO of creating.
In a statement to TechCrunch, they said: “Our security team proactively identified around 200 users primarily in Italy who we believe may have downloaded this malicious unofficial client. “We have logged them out, alerted [them] to the risks to their privacy and security that come with downloading fake unofficial clients, and encouraged them to remove it and download the official WhatsApp app.”
WhatsApp has also confirmed plans to “send a formal legal demand to stop any such malicious activity to this spyware firm”.
In the notification WhatsApp sent to users, they urged them to uninstall the fake app.
The note read: “We couldn’t verify that you’re using the official WhatsApp app.
“To protect your WhatsApp account, uninstall this app from your device and download the official WhatsApp to verify your account and log back in.”
Affected users were then encouraged to either download the official platform from the app store or “directly from WhatsApp” on the official website.
WhatsApp spokesperson Margarita Franklin added that the company aren’t able to share more details about users notified about the scam, including their jobs.
She added: “Our priority has been protecting the users who may have been tricked into downloading this fake iOS app.”
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