Fake Chrome app reaches 100,000 downloads on Google Play

A fraudulent application impersonating the Google Chrome browser has amassed over 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store. The fake app utilizes nearly identical branding, including the product name, icon, screenshots, and descriptions, to deceive Android users.

Reports indicate the app appeared in sponsored search results on Google Play, potentially placing it above the official version. Investigations revealed that the software was originally a game titled ‘Ball Bounce’ before being rebranded as Google Chrome in late September to leverage its existing download count.

Users who installed the 42 MB application reported that it does not function as a web browser. Instead, it opens an interface featuring AI avatars and displays continuous advertisements, deviating significantly from the expected Chrome experience.