Decoding WhatsApp Pink: Understanding The Scam, Ensuring Safety

No matter what phone you use, WhatsApp is a staple. The instant messaging application is used by billions across 180-plus countries around the globe. Simple to use, WhatsApp allows us to send text, voice, and video messages for free. With this application, you can also make voice and video calls, and share location, images, and documents in a few clicks. 

Now what if we told you that you could fall for a scam because of this same app? Well, that's only the case if you get lured into downloading WhatsApp Pink, a fake app claiming to be an enhanced version of your regular WhatsApp.

What Is WhatsApp Pink?

WhatsApp Pink is a scam targeting WhatsApp users. The application having a pink-coloured icon claims to offer a smoother, better version of the messenger. However, it is nothing but a scam. 

What Is WhatsApp Pink Scam?

As soon as a user downloads the WhatsApp Pink app on their phone, they get a message containing a link to an APK download. The downloaded file is a virus that gets complete access to your device as soon as it is on your phone. This further puts your data at the risk of being misused. 

How Does WhatsApp Pink Scam Work?

The app tells you that it is a new update to your regular WhatsApp and is called WhatsApp Pink. As soon as you download it, you are redirected to a website that looks like WhatsApp's original website but it is a fake one controlled by scammers. Soon a link is forwarded to you via which you can download WhatsApp Pink, a fake version of WhatsApp on your phone. (How To Use WhatsApp on your phone)

The app will then ask you to enter your phone number and some other details. On entering the information, scammers will be able to access your WhatsApp account. 

Rajshekhar Rajaharia, an internet security researcher first found this scam and tweeted, “Beware of @WhatsApp Pink!! A Virus is being spread in #WhatsApp groups with an APK download link. Don't click any link with the name of WhatsApp Pink. Complete access to your phone will be lost. Share with All..”

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How To Stay Safe?

• Do not click any unverified or suspicious links when you download an application from the Play Store. 
• Applications like WhatsApp officially roll out their new updates. Keep a check on them instead of falling for fake apps. 
• Download apps on your phone only from official app stores like Google Play Store. 

• Though there are no warnings for iPhone users related to this app, it is a good idea to stay alert and avoid downloading apps from stores other than the official Apple App Store. 

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• Many WhatsApp users have been circulating messages calling out the WhatsApp Pink app, make sure you further inform your family and friends to keep them safe. 

“Anyone can get an unusual, uncharacteristic, or suspicious message on any service, including email, and anytime that happens we strongly encourage everyone to use caution before responding or engaging. On WhatsApp in particular, we also recommend that people use the tools that we provide within the app to send us a report, report a contact, or block contact,” suggested a WhatsApp sportsperson.