Latest WhatsApp hoax actually has a grain of truth to it

A WhatsApp text hoax currently doing the rounds – with the obligatory request for people to forward it to friends – actually has a grain of truth to it, researchers have said.

The message claims (falsely) that a new video is circulating which can hack people’s phones – but it also warns against a genuine scam, WhatsApp Gold.

‘If you know anyone using Whatsapp you might pass on this.An IT colleague has advised that a video comes out tomorrow from WhatsApp called martinelli do not open it.

‘It hacks your phone and nothing with fix it. Spread the word.’

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‘If you receive a message to update the Whatsapp to Whatsapp Gold, do not click!!!!”

‘Now said on the news this virus is difficult and severe.’

The supposed video does not exist – but WhatsApp Gold is a common scam offering an upgraded app called ‘WhatsApp Gold’ which is supposedly ‘designed for celebs’.

The app supposedly changes the green WhatsApp icon to a gold one – and tempts victims with features including the chance to send up to 100 pictures at once.

But it doesn’t exist.

Victims are targeted via messages sent on WhatsApp – and directing users to download a ‘leaked’ version of the software (which doesn’t exist anyway).

The message says, ‘Hey Finally Secret Whatsapp golden version has been leaked, This version is used only by celebrities. Now we can use it too.

‘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.’