Some unscrupulous cybercriminals have tricked WhatsApp users into downloading ‘WhatsApp Gold’, which infects their smartphones with malware.
People reported receiving messages that prompted them to sign up for the “exclusive” version of the app. The message took them to the WhatsApp Gold website, where they entered their details.
Scammers claimed that the app’s extra features were previously only available to “big celebrities”. These include being able to send hundreds of pictures at once, new emojis, video calling, enhanced security features and more customisation options.
Once users download the program from the website it infects the phone with malware, allowing scammers to steal your data and track movements and activity.
Needless to say, any user who comes across this message or any similar scam, can report it to WhatsApp or block the user. WhatsApp Plus is another one of these recent scams which prompted WhatsApp to post this message on their website: “The developers of WhatsApp Plus have no relationship to WhatsApp, and we do not support WhatsApp Plus.”
The company warns users that the scam software can pass private information “to third parties without your knowledge or authorisation”.
https://twitter.com/bigmiketwitts/status/747174088339234817
A Golden #Scam Called #WhatsAppGold! https://t.co/7BWsNNp2TJ
— Cup Of Story (@Cup_Of_Story) June 10, 2016
Only install apps from Google Play or the App Store and beware of any apps that sound too good to be true.
