Yet another WhatsApp scam has started making the rounds and this latest one is going to look very familiar.
Users have started reporting on Twitter that they’ve been receiving text messages claiming to be from the messaging service saying that their subscription has expired.
Along with the message is a link that it claims will let you renew your subscription. Naturally, that doesn’t happen, instead it leads to what will almost certainly be a piece of very nasty malware.
Both Action Fraud UK and local Police forces have started tweeting out warnings in the hope of alerting users before they accidentally tap on the link.
This form of scamming is particularly effective because it doesn’t have to be perfect.
More often than not users will receive a message, skim its contents and then just click on the link without thinking.
The last major WhatsApp malware campaign was WhatsApp Gold, a series of text messages encouraging users to download a new and exclusive version of the Facebook-owned messaging service.
Formerly known as WhatsApp Plus the scam claimed that this exclusive new version of the app had only been used by celebrities but was now being opened out to the wider public.
Just last year an iTunes email scam very effectively looked like an official receipt that showed they had spent $99 on music.
In an effort to try and refund the purchase users would click on the links provided within the email and be given a particularly nasty computer virus.
Best Smartphones In 2017
Apple iPhone 7
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This is Apple’s
best iPhone ever, and if we’re honest it’s one of their most innovative devices yet. It has an incredible camera, is water-resistant and boasts a stunning bright new display. Of course it can’t escape the rumours surrounding next year’s device but if you’re looking to buy a smartphone right now, and Apple are on your radar, this is the phone for you.
Google Pixel
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This is Google’s iPhone. It’s that simple. As such there are achievements and compromises. If you’re after an incredibly well-built, powerful Android flagship, Google have given you a truly five-star smartphone. If you’re a photographer, the Pixel’s camera and cloud storage option make this a no brainer. It's not cheap though, with the XL costing over £800.
OnePlus 3T
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The OnePlus 3T is simply a continuation of the ethos that makes OnePlus phones so good. It’s exceptionally well-built, powerful and offers you everything you could want in an affordable and meaningful package. No smartphone will give you more value for money.
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge
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With a new curved back and larger 5.5-inch display the
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge is more about evolution than revolution. The S7 edge now sports a water-resistant body, embedded camera and a MicroSD card slot. The S7 edge is also Samsung's most powerful smartphone yet, so powerful in fact that Samsung have actually had to equip a tiny water-cooling system inside the phone. The good news though is that means you'll never have to worry about getting a warm hand.
Apple iPhone SE
The Huffington Post UK
Incredibly, Apple's familiar-looking
iPhone SE manages to boast the same performance as its top-of-the-range iPhone 6s making it the most powerful 4-inch smartphone available. If you're keen to return to the days of one-handed texting then Apple's bite-sized iPhone is the smartphone for you.
LG G5
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The
LG G5 sets itself apart from rivals like the S7, Xperia XA and the iPhone 6s by being something utterly unique. The G5 is the first commercial 'modular' phone, allowing you to swap out the bottom for new accessories. So far there's an audio one made in partnership with Bang & Olufsen and a camera-focused attachment which gives you extra camera controls.
Huawei P9
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The Huawei P9 is a smartphone designed for capturing life. Thanks to a partnership with photography legends Leica this dual-lens camera can take pictures that'll put your dedicated camera to shame. Of course it helps that the P9 is also a pretty great Android smartphone as well.
Google Nexus 5X
The
Nexus 5X strikes the ultimate balance between power and affordability. Taking over the responsibility from the frankly excellent Nexus 5, Google's new smartphone boast an ultra-light body but still crams in a fingerprint sensor, the latest version of Android marshmallow and a Full-HD display.