New Delhi: WhatsApp scams are becoming common these days, and the latest one to be going around is called WhatsApp Gold. Users are reportedly receiving a message asking them to switch to a premium version of the app going by the name.
What is WhatsApp Gold?
WhatsApp Gold is a part of a new scam circulating online. Users are receiving messages stating that ‘WhatsApp Gold’, the exclusive premise of the 'big celebrities', has some new features like video calling, free calling, ability to send 100 images at once, ability to change WhatsApp themes and more. The message also says that the app is not available to all users and can be installed only via invitation.
Is WhatsApp Gold a Spam?
According to the Telegraph.co.uk, users have been receiving messages asking them to upgrade to WhatsApp Gold. The invitation link given inside the message is www.goldenversion.com, clicking on which leads to an error 404 message. Also, the app is not available on Apple App store or Google Play store. Downloading the app will actually lead to malware, which could infect your phone and allow hackers to spy on your details.
Also read: WhatsApp becomes undisputed king of messaging apps, leads market by huge margin: Report
Here’s what a sample message reads like, “Hey Finally Secret Whatsapp golden version has been leaked, This version is used only by big celebrities. Now we can use it too, WhatsApp Gold Contains many advanced features like WhatsApp Video calling, Delete the messages you sent by mistake , Send more than 100 pics at once, Free calling, Change WhatsApp themes and tons of great features. This WhatsApp gold can be activated only Via Invites and I am inviting you. Once you activate this WhatsApp gold , your green icon will change to gold and you can enjoy all features 100% safely. Activate WhatsApp Gold with one click at http://www.goldenversion.com/.”
This is not the first time that such spam messages are going viral on WhatsApp. Previously, the WhatsApp Plus app, which claimed that it will let users send pictures, videos and music files of an unlimited size, was reported as spam.
A recent survey report claims that WhatsApp is now the most popular instant messaging application in 109 countries, which is roughly 55.6 per cent of the world. Also, the firm has over a billion monthly active users with over 70 million users in India alone. It is perhaps the rising popularity of the messaging app that is luring unscrupulous elements into targeting users.
