In the past few days, a viral message has been spread again on WhatsApp in an attempt to make users download a malware app named ‘WhatsApp Gold‘ to harm the phones, according to a Times of India report dated May 25, 2016.
The message lures the readers by saying that this version is used by celebrities and has some added features like video calling, option to send more than 100 pictures at once and is exclusive only to people who are invited. What an exclusivity marketing gimmick!
The message lures the readers by saying that this version is used by celebrities and has some added features like video calling, option to send more than 100 pictures at once and is exclusive only to people who are invited. What an exclusivity marketing gimmick!
The link takes one to the page ‘www.goldenversion.com’. The page shows a ‘404 error’ at the moment, so it is unknown as to how many users have been affected. Needless to say that this app is not available on platforms like PlayStore or the App Store. Thanks to the efficient verification processes.
According to a twitter post here is what the message said exactly:
https://twitter.com/jhootha_hi_sahi/status/730341594784636931
Now, to our readers we have a few information to give out. WhatsApp is now owned by Facebook. Firstly the company as a hard and fast policy does not do conventional advertisements or ask its regular users to pay for anything.
The entire foundation of the success story of the world’s biggest social network is built on the fact that it is free for the commoners.
There have been similar instances in the past where rumors were afloat that the app is going to be made into a ‘pay and use’ platform.
Since taking over the company, Facebook has been pushing the deadline year after year. This means that they are adhering to their policy and any messages leading to a website or app where one needs to pay must be ignored or reported.
Secondly, one should only trust the official platforms like the App Store and the PlayStore. Any message that contains a link for downloading an app that leads one to their browser should again be ignored or reported.
Only a few clients like WhatsApp+, Tubemate etc. are downloaded only from browsers. In case such a download is necessary, proper research must be done.
The story of WhatsApp Gold has been doing its second rounds on the same platform. Awareness is key.
