‘WhatsApp Gold’ viral message is a virus and you should stay away from it

WhatsApp has been a source of spreading fake news and malware time and again. Now, it has come to our notice that one new malware has been spreading like fire on WhatsApp. This message claims that there is a service called ‘WhatsApp Gold’. This message tells you that on downloading WhatsApp Gold, you will get some hidden exclusive benefits. Now, this message is clearly a virus and you should not download anything from unknown sources to your device.

Now, there are multiple versions of this message. One of the messages claims that you will get the ability to send 100 images at the same time. Also, you can delete messages sent on WhatsApp at any time. All of these will be available if you download WhatsApp Gold. However, the link which is available in the message installs adware on your smartphone. Thus, you will have ads all over your phone and there is a risk of your device being hacked too.

Another version of this WhatsApp Gold threatens users into downloading WhatsApp Gold. The message claims that there is a video called Martinelli coming to WhatsApp soon. This video will install a virus on your device and you cannot reverse it, the message claims. On the hindsight, the message itself is a threat to the users and you should stay away from it. Now, we have known that India is the primary target of this message. This is because the country has more than 200 million WhatsApp users. Thus, it is easier to forward the message and make it viral in no time at all.

McAfee, a security research firm, has also warned users against this message. Also, it is unknown what the source of the message is as everyone who receives the message sees it as a forwarded one. Nonetheless, you should not download any applications outside of Google Play Store or App Store on iOS.