WhatsApp Gold' hoax makes a comeback

Messaging App Users Advised Not To Forward Bogus Links

The instances of data breaches have soared throughout the pandemic. There are new threats created by home workers who access all the business-related secure data from insecure home environments. All small businesses and unsecured workplaces are facing various forms of security breaches. 

Cyber security groups have been monitoring the ever-changing techniques and procedures, but humans can create errors, so it is necessary to be aware of the strategies continuously.  All organisations should have training sessions for workers and customers to identify and resolve the system's threats and vulnerabilities. 

Also, one should be careful not to share/forward such messages to other users because such deceptive messages can go viral and turn into malware delivery tools. 

Most such unauthorised attachments linked to bogus communications obstruct the phone's functions, and users should avoid transferring/forwarding such texts that come with the request to forward/  pass on. 

The users are encouraged to download the bogus app, to get new updates and extra features. However, multiple warnings are issued against the updated version, stating it can infect your phone and create problems. 

There is no evidence to prove the video exists, but the purpose of the message is ambiguous. There are advisory by the regulatory bodies that state you should not forward the message about the Martinelli video, and you should consider it a hoax chain message. 

How Does It Happen?

In the latest WhatsApp Gold warning scam, the users get a message stating there is a virus in an updated version of the app. The victim receives communication related to a video called the Martinelli, and it provides a link to click to get a new secured version of WhatsApp. 

It may claim the updated version will give new features and gift vouchers or awards like free flights or the ability to make video chats where you can send multiple images at one time or delete messages in a specific duration. 

The message that originally surfaced in 2016 states, "Whatsapp Gold – a video called Martinelli will be released. One should not open it as it is a virus. "All the users of the app are advised to sign up through download links. 

However, once the user clicks on the link, they are redirected to pages where their phone becomes infected with malware.

Voicemail Access To Mobile Devices 

The voicemail can be accessed remotely by the fraudsters using the default PIN of the telecom service provider.  They keep looking for opportunities to access the voicemail account that can work if the victim enables voicemail and has not changed the PIN of his account. 

If they can access the voicemail account, they get the six-digit verification code, which can help them take over the victim's Whatsapp account. Once they access the Whatsapp account – they enable the two-step verification to prevent the victim from getting control over their account. 

Some of the WhatsApp accounts are hacked using voicemail, where the criminals pretend to be a friend or your friends' buddy, and they send communication to the victim on WhatsApp account. In addition, the fraudsters may try to enter the user account through hacking. 

Still, when the verification process fails, Whatsapp prompts messages to perform voice verification where they call the victim to get an audio message. If the victim ignores the call or does not pick up the phone (if the voicemail is enabled), the call is redirected to the voicemail.

Such cases increased in the past few years where victims lost access to their WhatsApp account. 

How To Avoid It?

• Do not accept requests from unusual/unknown users.

• If you get a call from a friend who sends a request to verify their authenticity, it can be the scammer trying to hack their account and may have targeted it. 

• Always buy products or send payment details through reputable sources. 

• Always install two-step verification and contact the telecom service provider if they change your voicemail default PIN. Also, you can deactivate the voicemail feature.

• If you suspect any activity in your account, report the crime to the police immediately to avoid a loss.