Use third-party apps like WhatsApp Plus, WhatsApp GB? WhatsApp may ban you

WhatsApp says these unofficial apps violate the Terms of Service clause of the official app.

WhatsApp cracks down on clone apps (Bloomberg)

Complying to users and platform security concerns, Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp is banning accounts of users who have been using modified versions of the app like WhatsApp Plus and GB WhatsApp.

These altered versions of the messaging app are developed by third-parties where the company cannot validate their security practices. These unofficial apps violate the Terms of Service clause of the official app.

"If you received an in-app message stating your account is 'Temporarily banned' this means that you're likely using an unsupported version of WhatsApp instead of the official app," the company wrote in a post on Monday.

The accounts have not been banned permanently, although users have been advised to back their chats up before making the switch.

"You must download the official app to continue using WhatsApp," the post noted.

How to find out you're using unofficial WhatsApp app

Step 1: Open your app.

Step 2: Go to 'More Options'

Step 3: Go to 'Settings'

Step 4: Tap on Help

Step 5: Locate name from App info.