Scammers are currently trying to convince users to download WhatsApp Gold. The gold version of WhatsApp was, according to the scammers, previously only available to celebrities and adds numerous 'premium features'. In fact, there is no WhatsApp Gold and the installed software is malware.
The scam is currently spreading over social media and tries to convince the user he's lucky to receive an invite of this 'exclusive' new WhatsApp version. The text explaining all the benefits of this gold version of WhatsApp states, "Hey Finally Secret Whatsapp golden version has been leaked. This version is used only by big celebrities.Now we can use it too, Whatsapp Gold Contains many advanced features like Whatsapp Video calling , Delete the messages you sent by mistake , Send more than 100 pics at once ,Free calling ,Change whatsapp themes and tons of great features. 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."
The messages tries to lure users into visiting goldenversion.com, a domain registered at the beginning of May this year which no longer seems to work. Previously the website showed a message stating, 'Your device supports WhatsApp Gold' and then a button to activate the software.
Once the software is installed, a WhatsApp Gold app seems to be installed, but in reality the device is infected with malware that likely allows cybercriminals to steal data.
