Have you been getting messages on WhatsApp about an exclusive upgrade called WhatsApp Gold, let me save you the trouble, it’s a scam. The message usually claims that you can unlock premium features like sending 100 images at once, video calling, or accessing a “secret chat” option. It sounds fancy and believable at first, but here’s the truth: WhatsApp Gold doesn’t exist.
There’s no premium or hidden version of WhatsApp. What’s really going on is that scammers are using this fake “update” to trick people into clicking links that steal their personal information or install malware on their phones.
How the WhatsApp Gold Scam Works
Here’s how it usually starts: someone (often a friend or family member) forwards a message saying something like:
“Hey! Have you heard of WhatsApp Gold? It’s a secret upgrade only available for a few users. Click this link to activate it!”
The link looks legit, it may even have the word “WhatsApp” in the address, but it takes you to a fake website or a malicious download page. Once you click it, the site might install spyware or ask you for personal details, like your phone number or even payment info.
Some versions of this scam also include a video called “Martinelli”, claiming that watching it will hack your phone. That part is also a hoax, but the links inside those messages can still be dangerous. In short, the WhatsApp Gold scam mixes curiosity, fear, and urgency, three things that make people click before thinking twice.
Why People Fall for It
Let’s be honest, this scam works because it feels believable. WhatsApp has billions of users, so the idea of a “premium” version doesn’t sound too far-fetched. Add a message that says “limited time only” or “don’t miss your chance”, and it becomes easy to fall for.
Many people also trust forwarded messages from friends or coworkers, so they assume it’s safe. But what most don’t realize is that scammers count on that trust to make the hoax spread faster.
The Real Dangers Behind WhatsApp Gold
It’s not just about clicking a bad link. Once you interact with the fake site, a few scary things can happen:
- Malware installation: It can secretly download spyware or adware that tracks your phone activity.
- Data theft: Your contacts, photos, and even private chats could be exposed.
- Account hijacking: Scammers may take control of your WhatsApp account and send messages to your contacts pretending to be you.
- Financial scams: Some versions ask for “activation fees” or request banking details to “verify your account.”
These fake upgrades don’t just affect you, they can spread to everyone on your contact list if the scammer gains access to your WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Gold Isn’t New, It Keeps Coming Back
This scam isn’t new. The WhatsApp Gold hoax first appeared several years ago and has resurfaced in different countries ever since. Recently, cybersecurity sites and news outlets like News24, Action Fraud UK, and Bitdefender have warned that the scam is making a comeback in 2025.
Each version looks slightly different, sometimes the message is about an “update,” sometimes about a “special video”, but the goal is always the same: to trick you into clicking a malicious link. helping you make money, it’s about collecting your personal data and possibly your payment info.
How to Spot and Avoid the WhatsApp Gold Scam
If you get one of these messages, here’s how to protect yourself:
- Educate others. If your friend forwarded it, tell them it’s fake, they probably didn’t know.
- Don’t click any links claiming to offer WhatsApp Gold or any secret feature.
- Ignore and delete messages that tell you to forward them to others, that’s a common trick to make scams go viral.
- Install updates only from official app stores like Google Play or Apple’s App Store.
- Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp for extra security.
What WhatsApp Says About It
WhatsApp has officially confirmed multiple times that there’s no such thing as WhatsApp Gold or any kind of “premium” version. Any message offering upgrades or exclusive access outside the app itself is a scam.
If there’s a real update, you’ll see it directly in the app or your device’s app store, not through a forwarded link.
What I Think About This Whatsapp Gold Scam.
The WhatsApp Gold scam is a perfect example of how old hoaxes keep getting recycled because they work. It’s clever, it’s convincing, and it spreads fast. But don’t let it fool you, no premium version of WhatsApp exists, and no video will “hack your phone.”
If you ever get a message about WhatsApp Gold, delete it immediately and let your contacts know it’s a scam. Staying informed and cautious is the best defense against these online traps.
Conclusion
Scams like this one rely on panic, curiosity, and misinformation. The more people talk about them, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed. So spread the word, WhatsApp Gold is fake, and clicking that link is never worth it.
Just like Hunnypay is just another recycled scam trying to cash in on people’s hope for quick income.