The WhatsApp Gold 2019 scam comes with different ways to reach users through malware that can steal personal data. One is the alleged video called "Martinelli" which, when played, would release a virus prepared to destroy the cell phone. The content drew the attention of some Brazilian users in June last year at the dnetc. However, the message seems to have spread to other countries in January 2019, according to the British newspaper The Sun published last Friday (4).
The modified WhatsApp rumor emerged in 2016 and was then identified as scam by experts from digital security firm Kaspersky Lab. The fake software promises to add extra functions such as changing color and viewing app profile visitors. Originally, the strategy was to get the user to click on a link where the supposed premium version of the social network could be downloaded. However, the address would redirect the victim to a site infected with malicious malware. Apparently the video "Martinelli" would be able to do the same. Other versions of the fraudulent chain claim that Globo reported on WhatsApp Gold, and the video called "Gambarelli".
WhatsApp scam uses free sample Faber-Castell fake promotion
Infectious video rumor circulates on WhatsApp Photo: Reproduction / Ana Letcia Loubak
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Today Goblo was talking about Whatsapp Gold and truth. There is a video that will be released tomorrow on Whatsapp and it's called Gambarelli. Do not open !! The virus goes to your phone, your bank account is reset and your phone locked forever! Let your contacts, friends and colleagues know !! If you get a message to upgrade Whatsapp Gold * Do not open! They just announced that the virus is serious. Send it to everyone.
It is noteworthy that the official app stores for Android and iPhone (iOS), respectively, Google Play and App Store, do not offer any program called WhatsApp Gold. Also, I need to be careful not to click on suspicious links. Check out the list below for four facts about the WhatsApp Gold scam.
1. WhatsApp Gold first appeared in 2016
Three years ago, WhatsApp users in Brazil began receiving a message with an ad to install a special version of the app, supposedly used by celebrities. With a gold icon, WhatsApp Gold promised features such as making group video calls, sending 100 photos at once, deleting messages hours after sending, among other benefits.
WhatsApp Gold promises VIP features Photo: Reproduction / dnetc
In order to reach as many casualties as possible, scammers demanded that, before clicking on the link to upgrade, the person forwarded the message to ten contacts or five groups of WhatsApp. By clicking on the trap, the user ended up signing fake premium plans on their phones on prepaid and postpaid lines. The strategy used by cybercriminals was intended to profit from misuse of information from victims.
2. The video "Martinelli" is not real
As for the truth of the rumor, WhatsApp users can be carefree: there is no evidence that the video quoted in the viral message exists. The news check site Snopes found that the text first appeared in Spain in 2017 and was discovered by the National Police in the same year.
Martinelli video rumor started in Spain in 2017 Photo: Reproduo / Spanish National Police
Apparently, the purpose of the message is to spread fear among users. However, it is important to note that while the threat is fictitious, WhatsApp Gold represents a real danger, capable of infecting the victim's smartphone with malware.
3. Virus returns with different bait types
Exclusive fonts would be among the features of WhatsApp Gold Photo: Divulgao / PSafe
For at least two and a half years, WhatsApp Gold's articulating scammers have varied the content of the messages and used new features to reach inattentive users. In addition to group video calls, massive photo uploads and the ability to delete messages hours after sending, features such as new fonts and emoji have been offered. The source of virus contraction, however, remains the same: an infectious link.
With regard to scams, it is an important recommendation to redouble attention to messages of dubious content. Even if they come from a friend, if the text looks suspicious or brings information that is too good to be true, at the touch, share or forward it. The messenger has invested in actions to combat these malicious links.
Be wary of messages that offer exclusive features, offers, or prizes. Photo: Reproduction / Eduardo Manhes
Some features help detect spam and scams. Always be alert to messages that have spelling or grammatical errors or that require the forwarding of personal information, such as credit card or bank account number and password, birthday, social security number, etc. Another common request to open a particular link and activate a supposed new feature. Upgrades are only installed through official WhatsApp updates.
You can report receiving a suspicious message from an unknown number in the application itself and block the sender. If the message comes from a contact, delete it and report that it is spam or scam.
How to talk to someone on WhatsApp without adding to contacts? Find out at dnetc Forum.
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