Hoax messages and WhatsApp have a long history, the latest being that WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger will start charging for their services. The scam tells users to pass on chain messages to avoid the costs.
WhatsApp last year announced that it won’t charge its users, while Facebook relies on keeping its services free to its users. Experts warned users to delete and ignore such messages instead of forwarding it to other users. There isn’t any harm to the users participating in the hoax, apart from wasting their time.
Both WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger cater their services to more than 1 billion users every month. The huge user base also makes these platforms a potential target for cyber criminals to attack users and sneak into their personal information.
The hoax message reads: 'From Saturday morning facebook will become chargeable. If you have at least 10 contacts send them this message. In this way we will see that you are an avid user and your logo will become blue and will remain free. As discussed in the paper today. Facebook will cost 0.01ps per message. Send this message to 10 people. When you do the light will turn blue otherwise facebook will activate billing.'
