WhatsApp, owned by Meta has long been prevalent for scams and fake messages. With millions of users, WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging platforms in the nation. However, because of its popularity, fraudsters can easily use it as a target to disseminate their deception.
Recently, a new WhatsApp message that contains a link to download "Pink WhatsApp" has become very popular. Scammers are enticing individuals to download the app and acquire a new version of WhatsApp with additional features by providing them with this link.
What is the ‘Pink WhatsApp’ scam?
'New Pink Look WhatsApp with extra features'- this message is getting circulated by users where the scammers are trying to entice WhatsApp users with additional features which can hack their mobile, according to Mumbai Police.
Scammers come with a variety of new techniques to lure the audience to fall into their trap to commit cybercrime. It’s important for users to be strictly aware of such scams and fake messages. The advisory issued requests users to believe only in reliable sources which can help them not to fall for hoax messages and keep their digital world secure.
According to the Mumbai Police, it is a phishing link and if it is clicked, would either attack the user's phone and steal personal data or grant the con artist remote access to the device. The scammers can use contact information to their benefit, financial loss by losing debit and credit card information, misuse of credentials and more.
What if you already downloaded ‘Pink WhatsApp’?
If such an app has already been downloaded, users are urged to uninstall it right away by the Mumbai Police. Additionally, the Police have warned against downloading anything from unofficial play stores or clicking on odd links.
How to remove 'Pink WhatsApp'?
Users must first confirm that WhatsApp Pink isn't connected to any other devices before removing it from their handset. This can be verified under WhatsApp's 'Linked devices' section. According to certain reports, WhatsApp Pink may make an effort to disappear from the list of installed apps after installation.
In order to properly uninstall the software, suspicious devices must be manually removed. The user data must also be protected by inspecting all download directories to make sure no further files from the download are still present on a device.
What are the other WhatsApp scams happening?
Many users have taken to Twitter to complain about receiving erroneous calls from overseas numbers beginning with +84, +62, +60, and other prefixes. Users are urged to use caution while answering or responding to texts or calls from obfuscated numbers.
