WhatsApp users are being tricked into downloading ‘WhatsApp Gold’, an apparently ‘exclusive’ version of the app which actually infects mobiles with malware.
A number of the app’s users have reported receiving messages urging them to sign up for the service via the WhatsApp Gold website, which is linked in the message.
The app’s extra features (which the scammers claim have only previously been available to top celebrities) include the ability to send hundreds of pictures at once, new emojis, video calling,enhanced security features and more customisation options.
Naturally, the whole thing is nonsense. Downloading the program from the website will simply infect your phone with malware, possibly allowing cybercriminals to steal your data or track your movements and activity.
cidentally, this is not the first WhatsApp-related scam. There have been many before too, in different forms. ‘WhatsApp Plus’ is one of them. WhatsApp even has a warning about it on its FAQ section. “WhatsApp Plus is an application that was not developed by WhatsApp, nor is it authorized by WhatsApp.
The developers of WhatsApp Plus have no relationship to WhatsApp, and we do not support WhatsApp Plus. Please be aware that WhatsApp Plus contains source code which WhatsApp cannot guarantee as safe and that your private information is potentially being passed to 3rd parties without your knowledge or authorization,” reads the caveat.
It further suggests users to “uninstall your application and install an authorized version of WhatsApp from our website or Google Play. After the 24 hour count down ends you will be able to use WhatsApp.”
