Imposter Chrome App Amasses 100,000 Downloads Before Google Removal
A fraudulent application mimicking Google Chrome was listed on the Google Play Store, accumulating over 100,000 downloads before being removed. The app, developed by 'Hizbartech,' originally appeared as a game called 'Ball Bounce' on August 22, 2026, before being renamed and rebranded with Chrome's icon on September 30. It featured AI avatars and chat interfaces instead of web browsing. Google removed the listing on October 14, 2026, after user reports. The incident highlights gaps in Play Store vetting, particularly regarding apps that pass initial scans but may deliver malicious code via updates or paid ad placements that boost visibility.