Beware of WhatsApp group video calling scam
Many WhatsApp users are getting messages from their own contacts to try a new group video calling feature.
- Nov 21, 2016,
- Updated Nov 21, 2016 7:16 PM IST
WhatsApp recently rolled out the video calling feature on its application. Now many users are getting messages from their own contacts to try a new group video calling feature. There is no such feature promoted by the application itself and this is the huge scam that can be potentially damaging to the data on your phone.
Many users are getting links in the form of messages asking them to click on it to access an exclusive WhatsApp group-video calling feature. Though browsers like Chrome are able to detect the risk and warn the user before logging in to such websites, there is a high risk that a few devices may not be capable of detecting it.
The message reads, "You're invited to try WhatsApp Video Calling feature. Only people with the invitation can enable this feature." Once you click on the link, they will ask you to share it with more friends to enable this feature on their devices.
The link might seem similar to WhatsApp's original website as it uses a similar colour scheme and design language. The users shouldn't click on such links as there is a possibility of a data breach or installation of malware in the phone.
WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging platform in the world and has been among the most downloaded applications on Play Store and App Store. The current downloads have exceeded the 1 billion mark. The popularity of the app is another reason why it is easy to circulate such scams and malware with relative ease.
ALSO READ: WhatsApp launches video calls
For Unparalleled coverage of India's Businesses and Economy – Subscribe to Business Today Magazine
WhatsApp recently rolled out the video calling feature on its application. Now many users are getting messages from their own contacts to try a new group video calling feature. There is no such feature promoted by the application itself and this is the huge scam that can be potentially damaging to the data on your phone.
Many users are getting links in the form of messages asking them to click on it to access an exclusive WhatsApp group-video calling feature. Though browsers like Chrome are able to detect the risk and warn the user before logging in to such websites, there is a high risk that a few devices may not be capable of detecting it.
The message reads, "You're invited to try WhatsApp Video Calling feature. Only people with the invitation can enable this feature." Once you click on the link, they will ask you to share it with more friends to enable this feature on their devices.
The link might seem similar to WhatsApp's original website as it uses a similar colour scheme and design language. The users shouldn't click on such links as there is a possibility of a data breach or installation of malware in the phone.
WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging platform in the world and has been among the most downloaded applications on Play Store and App Store. The current downloads have exceeded the 1 billion mark. The popularity of the app is another reason why it is easy to circulate such scams and malware with relative ease.
ALSO READ: WhatsApp launches video calls
For Unparalleled coverage of India's Businesses and Economy – Subscribe to Business Today Magazine