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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [TECHNOLOGY]

2 clusters · 7 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Google Chrome app impersonation on Google Play Store

Overview

A fraudulent application impersonating the Google Chrome browser appeared on the Google Play Store, appearing as a sponsored advertisement in search results. The app, developed by Hizbartech, reportedly rebranded from a game titled ‘Ball Bounce’ to ‘Google Chrome’ in late September to leverage existing download counts and bypass scrutiny.

By mid-October, the counterfeit application had amassed over 100,000 downloads. Users reported that the 42 MB file does not function as a web browser; instead, it displays continuous advertisements and an interface featuring AI avatars. Security experts advise users to verify developer and package names before installation and to remove the application if it was previously installed.

Entities

Google · Android Authority · Chrome · Hizbartech · Google Play

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Fake Chrome app reaches 100,000 downloads on Google Play

    A fake Google Chrome app with over 100,000 downloads was discovered on Google Play, using rebranded game assets to deceive Android users with AI chat interfaces and heavy advertising.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Fake Google Chrome app appeared as sponsored result on Play Store

    A counterfeit Google Chrome app by developer Hizbartech gained 100,000 downloads after appearing as a sponsored search result on the Google Play Store.

Sources

cafef.vn · clubic.com · gamemag.it · jornal24horas.com.br · kenh14.vn · kulturegeek.fr · soha.vn