A fake version of the popular messaging app, Whatsapp, has begun to be distributed via social networking sites.
The application called “Whatspp gold edition” promises exclusive features to its users, but in reality it subscribes to premium rate SMS services, without the users' knowledge.
The app is being promoted via Facebook and Twitter, mainly targeting users in Spain. The national police and militia have already issued warnings about this scam.
In an effort to lure as many users as possible, scammers advertise that the app provides access to more emoticons and backgrounds, and that it is available for iOS and Android devices.
It is not yet clear how the malicious app still works, but according to El Correo, all the user has to do is download the app, which will immediately ask for their phone number for account validation purposes. If the user hands over their phone, they are automatically signed up for a subscription messaging service, which charges 1.45 euros for each message sent.
