WhatsApp Gold: The Fake "Upgrade" You Should Avoid At All Costs
A scam persuading WhatsApp users to upgrade their service has resurfaced amid people using social media more than ever before.
As most of us are cooped up at home for the foreseeable future, social media services are likely to experience more traffic than ever before. Facebook, which also owns WhatsApp and Instagram, has admitted it is struggling to cope with the strain put on its services over the past few weeks. TechRadar reports the number of people using its apps' video chat features has doubled.
Social media is often painted in a bad light but right now it is more important than ever. It allows its users to stay connected when they have to remain apart all over the world. However, one of the darker aspects has managed to rear its ugly head. A scam that has been doing the rounds for years but has resurfaced in recent weeks.
The promise of an upgrade to WhatsApp labeled WhatsApp Gold. The fancier version of the app, long rumored to be used by the rich and famous, doesn't actually exist. The link being sent will actually install malicious software on a person's phone if clicked. If the link is sent to you at any point, ignore it, do not click it, and definitely do not forward it on.
This isn't the first WhatsApp scam to do the rounds, although it may be the most damaging one/easiest scam to fall for. Other scams have warned users against watching certain videos, most infamously the "Martinelli" video. It warned that a video would be delivered to users the following day and for them to avoid it at all costs. Months later, it would appear this video doesn't actually exist.
Should you receive a message offering you WhatsApp Gold in the coming weeks, or a message touting any sort of premium WhatsApp service, your best bet is to completely ignore it. Also warn others of the scams, especially those who might be using the app for the first time due to the current circumstances. It might appear obvious to some that it's a scam, but plenty of others will happily click on the link.
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