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What is WhatsApp Gold? Beware of the “update”

The “WhatsApp Gold Update” lures with many new functions that the original Messenger did not yet have, more stickers, emojis and so much more. But what is really true about the supposed premium edition? Here at GIGA you can find out why it is better not to install the alternative WhatsApp version.

One thing in advance: Don’t install this app on your smartphone or tablet! And advise against others who send you the link to WhatsApp Gold Edition. Behind the supposed premium messenger are again only fraudsters who play with the gullibility of WhatsApp fans. In the following, we will tell you what will happen to you when you install the WhatsApp Gold Edition.

What is WhatsApp Gold?

WhatsApp Gold is actually supposed to be an improved version of the popular messenger that boasts many new functions. At least that’s what the fraudsters claim …

The gold edition of the messenger is said to have only been available to celebrities and only came to the public through a leak. The story is of course fictitious and only serves to artificially make the app more interesting.

Image: FOX / Dick Clark Productions

The dubious app is not even available in the Play Store. Instead, you should download the Premium Messenger via a link and then install the APK yourself.

In reality, the WhatsApp Gold Edition is a bundled malware package that allows third parties to access your smartphone and your data, such as the website Deccan Chronicle reported. We therefore strongly advise against installing the third-party client.

Anyone who has already fallen for the promises of the fraudsters should have their cell phone reset to the factory settings as quickly as possible and set new passwords for all services that were used on the smartphone or tablet.

You can find out what malware can do on your mobile phone and how you can protect yourself in the following video:

WhatsApp Gold – a problem for many years

As early as May 2016, we reported on the alternative version of the popular messenger, which is intended to entice unsuspecting WhatsApp users to download the app with many additional functions. Chain letters related to WhatsApp Gold also frequently appeared on various social platforms.

For example, the following warning was posted on Facebook & Co. (in full):

ATTENTION on the radio and on the Internet the warnings are already running !!!
If update comes for Whats App Gold, don’t install it.
Is a trojan that tries to hack Whatsapp!
Please forward this! Is also dangerous for contacts! lg
Is also on ZDF!

There was no corresponding warning at ZDF and WhatsApp Gold is not an update in this sense, as you have to install the app manually using an APK file. Nevertheless, the chain letter is right on one point: You should not install WhatsApp Gold under any circumstances.

If you are personally contacted by a contact who advises you to install WhatsApp Gold, you should ignore them and do not open the link. If the contact is someone you know, you should tell them that installing WhatsApp Gold involves many risks.

whatsapp gold edition
After installing the WhatsApp Gold “update” you could possibly look similar. (Image: wheel fx via shutterstock)

Other WhatsApp versions (GBWhatsApp, WhasApp Plus)

In addition to the fake messenger, there are also real WhatsApp messengers from third-party providers that offer extended functions, such as GBWhatsApp and WhatsApp Plus. But even with these there is a risk of infecting the Android device with malware or of losing its data to third parties because you cannot simply download them from the Play Store.

But even if you have a clean version of the unofficial messenger, problems can arise. These apps violate WhatsApp’s terms of use and are a thorn in the side of the company. If WhatsApp notices that they are using their service through an unsupported app, your account may be banned. WhatsApp explains on the official sitethat the ban is usually only temporary, but if you do not switch to the official app, your account can also be permanently blocked.

WhatsApp: Do you know the meaning of these emojis?

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