There’s a new scam in town, masquerading as a premium version of WhatsApp. It’s called WhatsApp Gold.
It seems criminals are targeting existing users with a fake exclusive invitation to install a “limited edition” version of the messaging app.
It might look something like this:
But don’t be fooled – only one official version of WhatsApp exists and it’s the one you are already using. (Note, WhatsApp Plus isn’t an official app either.)
Although it isn’t clear how many people have received the message, social media reports suggest spammers are contacting users through the official version of WhatsApp and asking them to upgrade to the “golden version”.
The upgrade claims to be only available to “big celebrities” and offers new features such as the ability to have video chats, send 100 pictures at once and delete messages after you have sent them.
Users are then asked to click on a link to download the update.
So if you get any messages asking to upgrade you to WhatsApp Gold, you should delete them immediately.