Fake apps, malware and device risks on WhatsApp
On WhatsApp the scammer can send images, voice notes, PDFs and APK files, and a friendly profile photo makes the first message feel safe.
Guides
Wedding Invitation APK Shared on WhatsAppA WhatsApp message with a file named like a wedding card ends in .apk. Installing it can give a…Fake RTO Challan or Vehicle App Sent as an APKA message says you have a pending traffic challan and asks you to install an app file to see it.…Instant Loan App That Steals Contacts and Threatens YouA quick-loan app asks for contacts and gallery access, then threatens to message your family when…Stalkerware Spy App Hidden on a PhoneA hidden spy app can show messages, location and calls to someone who installed it. Learn the…Rooting or Modding Your Phone for 'Free Premium' OffersVideos and chats promise free premium apps or faster phones if you root or modify your device. It…Browser Notification Spam: The 'Click Allow to Continue' TrapA website says 'tap Allow to prove you are not a robot' and then floods your phone with scam…Fake Android System Update or Security Patch Pop-upA pop-up or message says your phone needs an urgent system update and offers a download. The file…SIM Swap Fraud and Duplicate SIM TakeoverYour phone loses network for no reason and OTPs go to a criminal's SIM. Learn the signs of SIM…Fake Phone Cleaner, Booster and Antivirus AppsCleaner, booster and 'virus removal' apps promise speed but fill your phone with ads or ask for…Modded WhatsApp (GB WhatsApp and Similar) DownloadsModified WhatsApp apps promise extra features but come from unknown sources, can leak chats and…'We Found Your Phone' Message with a Tracking LinkAfter you lose a phone, a message says it was found and asks you to click a link or pay a fee. The…
Check before you act
- A new number says it is someone you know and asks for money; call the real person on the old number first.
- You are added to a group full of people praising profits.
- The sender moves you quickly to Telegram or to a second app.
- A file ending in .apk arrives; never install it.
More: all fake apps, malware and device risks · all scams on WhatsApp
Check it before you tap or pay
Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.
Download for AndroidWhat the app does
Google Play listing: coming soon. Today the signed APK is on safeavio.com/download. Android 7.0 or later.