10 things to know about the 'most dangerous' WhatsApp Gold message

10 things to know about the 'most dangerous' WhatsApp Gold message

The ‘WhatsApp Gold’ fiasco one of the 'most dangerous' WhatsApp message which first struck in 2016, is back in India. It is the biggest hoax message circulated over WhatsApp, it is back to spread panic among users. Interestingly, there are several variants of the message. While some messages could redirect you to link, other versions of the same message could be a hoax message.

These are the things you need to keep in mind.

Don’t download any app called WhatsApp Gold or click on any links
The WhatsApp Gold message urges users to download ‘an update’ for the messaging app which in reality is a malware, says Venkat Krishnapur, Vice President of Engineering and Managing Director, McAfee India.

India is the prime target of hackers spreading WhatsApp Gold ‘virus’
WhatsApp has subscribers of over 200 million in India, which means that there is a high possibility of maximum impact being borne by Indian users, resulting in huge volumes of personal data being compromised, added Krishnapur

McAfee has warned against WhatsApp Gold
Security company McAfee has also warned against WhatsApp Gold. People are being sent WhatsApp messages urging them to download ‘an update’ for the messaging app which in reality is a malware.

WhatsApp Gold ‘virus’ claims exclusive features
The WhatsApp Gold link is advertised with features like sending 100 photos to users at once, or the ability to delete sent messages any time.

Another ‘variant’ of WhatsApp Gold talks about a Martinelli video
Another sample of the WhatsApp Gold message reads, “Whatsapp Gold. A video will be launched tomorrow in Whatsapp called Martinelli. DO NOT OPEN it. It’s a virus which goes into your phone and nothing will fix it. Do not update to
Whatsapp Gold the virus is dangerous.”

Another message threatens about a video that will crash your phone
Simply delete any message that you receive on WhatsApp which states that users shouldn’t open a video named Martinelli as it would hack their phones. It’s a harmless hoax and nothing happens.

WhatsApp Gold messages are forwarded without any specific source
The hoax message usually comes with “Forwarded” tag, without any specific source or legitimacy.

There is no WhatsApp paid subscription; don't get trapped
Note that WhatsApp is a free messaging app and there is no official paid subscription-based version of WhatsApp. If you receive any such message to subscribe to WhatsApp do no click on any link in the message. On Google Play Store researchers warn about fake apps similar to WhatsApp Gold.

You will find some “invites” to join new WhatsApp app
Note that there are countless fake WhatsApp apps and always be sure to download the verified official app. Never fall for messages like invitations to third party fake WhatsApp versions.

You can be tracked by simply clicking on an image link on WhatsApp
A stalker can find your exact location by just sending you a multimedia file like an image or GIF on WhatsApp. Never download any content from unknown senders.