Fake Chrome Listing on Google Play Linked to Rebranded Ball Bounce Game

A Google Play app published by Hizbartech impersonated Google Chrome by copying its name, icon, and description. Investigators linked the listing to an earlier game, Ball Bounce, through the package identifier com.ballbounce.Hizbartech, with reports indicating a branding change in late September. The copycat reportedly appeared above legitimate Chrome in sponsored search results, though researchers could not independently reproduce that placement. A screenshot showed 100,000+ downloads, but conflicting figures and the rebranding prevent determining how many users installed the Chrome-branded version.

Users reported seeing a contacts-style or chat interface rather than a browser. Available reporting did not establish a malicious payload, password theft, banking Trojan activity, remote control, or a specific detection-evasion technique. The listing appeared unavailable by October 14, but worldwide removal was not confirmed. Security teams should check managed Android devices for com.ballbounce.Hizbartech, remove the copycat if present, and run Google Play Protect. Legitimate Chrome listings identify Google LLC as the publisher and com.android.chrome as the package.