WhatsApp error message prompts hoax spam message
Messaging service WhatsApp has suffered from a hoax message following an error with the app.
WhatsApp users were this week treated to a message stating everyone in their contact listed was "error: unknown". Following this bug, a spam message did the rounds claiming to be from the CEO asking forward it on or be considered an inactive user.
The message read: "Message from Jim Balsamic (CEO of Whatsapp): we have had an over usage of user names on whatsapp Messenger. We are requesting all users to forward this message to their entire contact list. If you do not forward this message, we will take it as your account is invalid and it will be deleted within the next 48 hours. Please DO NOT ignore this message or whatsapp will no longer recognise your activation. If you wish to re-activate your account after it has been deleted, a charge of 25.00 will be added to your monthly bill."
A similar hoax on the app occurred in January this year attempting to convince users to use the service frequently to avoid paying.
WhatsApp said on Twitter: "WhatsApp status functionality is currently not available. We are working on resolving it soon-ish..."
There's been no update on the service from WhatsApp, but the message can be ignored. According to FirstPost, service for some phones has been restored while others are still displaying the error message.
Follow Chris Martin and @PCAdvisor on Twitter.
Comments
Onniebilly said: I also got a message saying my account will expire and right now has an error message someone help
Matt2004 said: same happened on BBM
Amariah said: Thank you for this articleI knew this was a hoax from dat dotIf whatsapp was to inform us they would have sent a message via the settings tab where we update our versions besides that I also follow the team on twitterIts obvious that some jobless people have taken it upon themselves to create a message to confuse peopleshame on you all
Kemberly Willocks said: 8 received a pop up saying the service has been extended to march 13 A bit bafflred
Krunzy said: HiJust to update I again received a msg saying the date has been extended till Jan13
Krunzy said: HiI got a popup msg from the Watsapp saying my account is going to expire in 5 days and asking to make payment of 99 for yearssubscriptionto the application Else acc will be deactivatedCan any one plz confirm this
Dhanyecha said: Thanks
Vfootster said: It was obviously fake As it made litte sense Why would they contact users like that
dp said: thank god for websites such as this I didnt realise it was fake until I read this article well done PC Advisor
Preeti Sura said: Hmmm