Apple’s iMessage service is pretty terrific, but it has one big limitation, and that is that it’s only available on Macs and iOS devices. At least officially. But there is an unofficial app that brings iMessage to your Android-powered smartphone. It works just as advertised, but we strongly advise you not to use it.

The app’s called iMessage Chat, and you can download it from Google Play for free. It’s not a complete scam; it does exactly as it claims and allows you to send iMessages to friends who are using an iOS device — all you have to do is sign in with your Apple ID. Check out the demonstration video below, courtesy of AppAdvice:

So, as you can see, it really does work — but you still shouldn’t use it. Why?

Well, it’s not an official Apple app (obviously), and as such all of the data you send through it can be intercepted. In fact, Cydia creator Jay Freeman, better known as Saurik, claims that every message you send and receive is passed through the developer’s server in China, and there’s a chance that your messages — as well as any pictures or videos you send — are being recorded.

There’s also a chance that the Apple ID you used to log into the app is being recorded, too.

As tempting as it might be to have iMessage on your Android smartphone, then, you’re better off living without it. While iMessage Chat may be innocent, there’s a good chance it isn’t, and you really don’t want to put your Apple ID at risk. After all, the app’s completely free to download, and it’s not ad-supported — so you have to ask yourself what the developer is getting out of it.

It’s likely Google will pull iMessage Chat in the very near future, especially if Apple finds out about it, but in the meantime, avoid it at all costs.

• SourceGoogle Play
• ViaAppAdvice