- Whatsapp users have been put on alert as regards a fake message going around
- The new scam uses fake text messages that have been sent out in recent weeks warning recipients that their subscription has run out
- Users are urged to delete the message immediately and ignore the fake warning
It has been announced that Whatsapp users should be on the lookout for a new scam which tries to charge them for using the instant messaging app.
In recent weeks, fake text messages have been received which warned people that their subscription has run out.
The message also contains instructions to receive a lifetime subscription for a small fee and are being used by criminals to trick people into providing their payment details.
The scam message has continued to spread
According to Dailymail, this particular form of the scam first emerged last month, but reports have been on the increase.
READ ALSO: Assistant Commissioner of Police mocks follower on Twitter
The message reads: 'Your subscription has expired. To verify your account and purchase a lifetime subscription for just 0.99 GBP simply tap on this link'.
Although Whatsapp charged 99p after the first year of use when it first launched back in 2010, but this was scrapped. So, anyone that receives this message should delete it immediately.
READ ALSO: Little girl from local school wins National Mathematics Competition, gets N6 million scholarship
If you have already clicked on the link, it is advised that you should run antivirus software to ensure your device has not been infected with a virus.
It is unclear exactly how many users have been targeted or how criminals obtained the phone numbers, but people are already tweeting to warn others:
Kieran Stevenson said: "I've just had a text from "Whatsapp" saying my subscription has expired and I need to click a link to renew it. Scam, right?"
Kate Davies added: "Anyone else received a text from #WhatsApp saying you're subscription has expired ..but you can buy life long for £1 ?"
Below are some tweets:
Many Twitter users asked about the truth of the message
The links attached to the message apparently contains malware
PAY ATTENTION: Watch more videos on NAIJ.com TV
Watch this video on whether your partner can read your messages:
