Fake 'Google Chrome' app by developer Hizbartech promoted on Google Play
A fake "Google Chrome" app from developer Hizbartech appeared as a sponsored Google Play listing with over 100,000 downloads; it was really an ad-filled chat app.
- First reported
- Reports
- 1
Source: makeuseof.com · published
What happened
MakeUseOf reported on October 14, 2026 that a fake app called "Google Chrome" from developer "Hizbartech" appeared above the genuine Chrome as a sponsored search result on Google Play, after a user spotted it and posted on Reddit. Google's Chrome brand was impersonated.
The listing used Chrome's icon, name, screenshots and description and showed more than 100,000 downloads. MakeUseOf said the sponsored result no longer seemed to appear but the app might still be reachable by searching for the developer.
How the scam works
The app was originally a game called "Ball Bounce" and was rebranded in late September, which explains how it arrived with an existing download count. Users who installed the 42MB app said it did not act as a browser; it opened a chat-style screen with AI avatars and showed constant ads.
MakeUseOf found no evidence the app stole passwords or installed malware, but notes that a malicious imitation could do harm before anyone realised it was fake. The key tell was the developer name: Hizbartech, not Google LLC. A "Sponsored" badge is not a guarantee an app is genuine.
Source
MakeUseOf, "Google Play promoted a fake Chrome app, and you should check yours now" (October 14, 2026).
Red flags
- A well-known app whose developer isn't the company you expect (Chrome's is Google LLC).
- Sponsored listings appearing above the official app.
- An app that doesn't do what its name says and shows lots of ads.
If you were targeted
- 1Check your Chrome app: hold the icon, open App info, and confirm the Play Store listing shows Google LLC.
- 2If it's the Hizbartech version, uninstall it and review the permissions you granted.
- 3Keep Play Protect on and install Android security updates.