A WhatsApp scam has emerged that’s tricking people to pay for the app

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Net Patrol International Inc.  Data Investigation and Forensic Services
Bankruptcy and Insolvency Trustees

A new scam is going around that’s trying to trick its victims into paying for a fake “subscription” to the app WhatsApp.

Allegations on Twitter have emerged that say fraudulent text messages have been sent to WhatsApp users. The texts inform the recipient them that their subscription has expired and ask for a reactive fee to fix the problem.

The text shows up in the target’s phone as coming from “WhatsApp,” though it’s sent via text message rather than through the app.

“Your subscription has expired. To verify your account and purchase a lifetime subscription for just 0.99 GBP simply tap on this link,” the text message reads, followed by a link to a website.

 

Users who click on the link are then instructed to enter their credit card information, leaving them vulnerable for credit card fraud.

The app has been a free service since 2016 after Facebook bought it for $19 billion.

Read more at Business Insider

This article is summarized by Canadian Fraud News Inc.