Fake BBM app on Google Play cons thousands of users

There is a lot of excitement among smartphone users about the BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) integration on Android and iOS operating systems that is coming soon. Playing on that excitement, a fake BBM app appeared on Google Play store and fooled thousands of users before being taken down.

The app, which is titled “blackberry messenger bbm”, was created by a developer called RIM. That is where the problems begin, because the BlackBerry phone makers, who were earlier called Research in Motion or RIM, changed the company name in January.

After downloading the app, CNet reported that users were presented with a screen that promised that the app would start working on June 27, which was the earlier rumoured date of release. A UK service provider, T-Mobile, was also seen promoting the rumoured date of release in a tweet which said the BBM for Android and iOS would be released on said date. The service provider was later seen posting an apologetic tweet after BlackBerry denied the rumour. Despite the official denial, many users bought into the fake app that was built on the fake June 27 release date.

A fake BBM app on Google Play fooled thousands of users before being taken down

The fake app followed up the June 27 message with an agreement that asked users to allow advertising network StartApp to install icons, bookmarks and more on their smartphones. Around 1,00,000 users were conned into downloading this app before Google Play store took the fake app down.

Unlike Apple’s iOS store, Google Play does not have any checks on the apps that are available. While anyone can create an app, but because the company does not keep a tab on the same, there are a lot of fake apps up for download as well. And this is where the problem lies. The only way users can be sure of the apps that they download is by keeping an eye on the developers who have released the app, or to check the app review section for comments from other users.

BlackBerry was earlier reported announcing the cross-over app last month at its BlackBerry Live conference. The company is looking at getting more users excited for its range of BlackBerry devices by promoting its famed messaging service on other platforms as well.