Another day and so it’s time for another WhatsApp scam and this latest one is proving to be a bit of a nuisance.
Action Fraud has alerted its users to an email claiming to be from WhatsApp that asks you to update your payment information before your annual WhatsApp subscription runs out.
While WhatsApp doesn’t charge a subscription, hackers and criminals have still been able to make a killing by spreading the myth that WhatsApp is only free for the first year.
After which the company asks you to pay a small subscription each year.
This latest scam is particularly nasty, not only because on the surface it looks relatively legit but also because of he potential damage it could do.
The email asks you to subscribe to WhatsApp by paying a yearly fee. Of course the real scam here is that in paying the subscription you’ve just handed over all your card details.
Only last month WhatsApp became the centre of yet another major scam, this time involving text messages.
In this instance the subscription message was the very similar, but rather than hand over your details the message included a shortened link.
Messages like this are dangerous in a very different way. While they won’t usually ask for your personal details, that link will almost certainly be loaded with a very nasty dose of malware.
If you have an Android phone this can result in ransomware being installed, potentially locking you out of your content until you pay hackers a ransom.
The Best Smartphones In 2017
Apple iPhone 7
Eduardo Munoz / Reuters
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
The Huffington Post UK
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
The Huffington Post UK
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
Bloomberg via Getty Images
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
ASSOCIATED PRESS
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.
