Here at Emergency Services News, as well as being passionate about showing our readers the real side of the emergency services, we are also keen to help prevent people from becoming the victim of fraud.
We have seen some ‘chatter’ on the internet about a hoax message that is doing the rounds on WhatsApp at the moment where people are being spoofed into thinking that they have been given a chance to download “WhatsApp Gold”.
If you get this message, then delete it. Don’t pass it on and don’t open it!
The following advice has been published on ActionFraud.police.uk:
‘The “secret” messages sent to people’s inboxes claim you have an exclusive chance to download “WhatsApp Gold”.
‘The scam messages claim to offer enhanced features used by celebrities.
‘Victims are urged to sign up via a link provided.
‘WhatsApp say that they will never send users a message asking them to upgrade or download another app.
‘After clicking on the link you will be redirected to a fake page and your Android device will become infected with malware.
‘If you have already followed the link to download the software, install some antivirus software onto your device to remove the malware.
‘Sophos, AVG and Avast all offer this for free.
Despite this spoof being around since November, people are still falling victim to the spammers.
Don’t let them win! The biggest tool in the fight against spammers and fraudsters, is awareness.
By sharing this article with anyone you know who has WhatsApp, then you can help to disrupt the individuals who are trying to steal your information!
Action Fraud has also given this advice:
Mobile malware protection advice
- Always make sure you have the latest version of software and antivirus installed for increased protection.
- Be careful when downloading new apps as rogue ones can appear in legitimate app stores as well as unofficial online stores.
- Always check reviews and ratings as well as developer information before downloading a new app.
- If your battery suddenly starts draining really fast, consider that it might be a malware problem.
- Make sure to check your phone bill online periodically – more often than once a month, that way you can keep tabs on any suspicious activity.
To report a fraud and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool.
Sign up for free to Action Fraud Alert to receive direct, verified, accurate information about scams and fraud in your area by email, recorded voice and text message.
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