Stories
Fake Google Chrome App with Over 100000 Downloads Removed from Play Store
- •A malicious application mimicking Google Chrome surpassed 100000 downloads on the Google Play Store before being taken down.
- •The fake app was initially published as a game called Ball Bounce by a developer named Hizbartech before changing its name and icon to resemble Chrome.
- •The developer used paid advertising to push the fake app above the official Google Chrome browser in search results.
- •Reports indicate the application did not function as a browser and operated instead as a chat app with predefined responses.
- •Users are advised to check developer names, verify listings, avoid blindly trusting sponsored search results, and keep Google Play Protect enabled.
Key Questions Answered
The application was initially published as a game called Ball Bounce before its developer changed its name and icon to resemble Google Chrome. Furthermore, it managed to appear above the official browser in search results because the developer promoted it through paid advertising.
The suspicious application that impersonated Google Chrome was listed under the developer name Hizbartech, whereas the official Chrome browser is published by Google LLC.
Users can protect themselves by checking the developer's name to ensure it matches the official creator, verifying the app listing and screenshots, and avoiding the first sponsored search result. Additionally, users should keep Google Play Protect enabled and carefully review app permissions before installation.
