WhatsApp Gold or WhatsApp Plus Download Offer-Scam!
Summary of eRumor:
WhatsApp users have been offered a download for “WhatsApp Gold,” a premium that includes additional features like video calling and updated emojis.
The Truth:
The WhatsApp Gold download offer is a scam that could infect your phone with malware.
The scam emerged in May and had gone viral by early June. Users reported receiving offers for WhatsApp Gold or “a golden version” of the popular messaging application that had previously been available only to celebrities.
Clicking on the link to download the premium version of WhatsApp will infect your phone with malware that could allow criminals to steal your data or track your movements, the Independent reports.
In its FAQ section, WhatsApp also warns of a similar scam called “WhatsApp Plus.” The application was not developed 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.
Please 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.
In order to protect yourself from similar scams never rely on second or third-hand information about new updates or features that float around social media. Always get your information directly from the developer’s website, and never click on a third-party link to download a “premium” version of anything.