Take note
If you’re a WhatsApp user, it’s possible that you received a strange message in the last few days. While most scams are bogus and can easily be avoided, there’s an element of truth to the latest one.
Regarding the latest scam, the first half of the message is a hoax.
As you can see in the message below, the first few paragraphs claim that a video will come out tomorrow called Martinelli, which will hack your phone.
This isn’t true.
It says: “If you know anyone using WhatsApp you might pass on this. An IT colleague has advised that a video comes out tomorrow from WhatsApp called Martinelli do not open it, it hacks your phone and nothing will fix it. Spread the word.”
The more pertinent part of this message though is regarding the idea of ‘WhatsApp Gold’ because this is a genuine scam.
Over the last few years, numerous WhatsApp users have reported receiving an exclusive invitation to install a “limited edition” version of the popular messaging app called WhatsApp Gold.
https://twitter.com/reybekillbrum/status/986208829489733633
At present, there is only one official version of WhatsApp, and it’s the version that you are probably using.
The upgrade to the bogus WhatsApp Gold claims to offer new features. Users are asked to click on a link to download the update. Instead, this link redirects the user to a website that contains malicious software, infecting smartphones with viruses.
Again, take note if you receive this bogus message.
