Every WhatsApp user urged to immediately DELETE text
It's from a scam account!
Last updated 27th Apr 2022
Over two billion WhatsApp users across the world are being warned to immediately delete a text, as a new scam is doing the rounds on the platform.
What is the fake WhatsApp text?
WhatsApp blog WABetaInfo has issued the warning, revealing a fake account is posing as a WhatsApp Support, asking for personal details via a scam text in an attempt to get money from users.
What should I do if I receive the fake WhatsApp text?
If you receive the text, you should immediately REPORT and BLOCK the contact within their chat info, and the DELETE the text.
Users are also being advised to never hand over passwords, pins or security codes to anybody, including close friends and family.
WhatsApp two-step verification should also be set up for extra security.
How do I know if I've received the fake WhatsApp text?
WhatsApp never ask for personal information such as credit card details or two-step verification codes, and they always have a verified blue tick on their account.
The scam text will NOT include a verified blue tick, but be aware, as the scammers are trying to fool users by using profile pictures with blue ticks.
As explained in the below picture, provided by WhatsApp blog WABetaInfo, the screenshot on the left shows the fake account, and the screenshot on the right shows the real account.
How can I make my WhatsApp more safe?
WhatsApp now has a few additional features to help keep users safe, including things like WhatsApp Lock, Two-Step Verification and WhatsApp disappearing messages.
What is WhatsApp Lock?
WhatsApp Lock allows users to lock their messaging service, meaning if anybody else is using the phone, they will not be able to access WhatApp messages. The feature uses the phone's biometric sensor, meaning the phone's owner will be the only one able to inlock using their fingerprint.
What is Two-Step Verification?
Two-Step Verification is another optional security option for users on WhatsApp, to make it harder for hackers to get into your account.
To turn on Two-Step Verification, users need to log in to WhatsApp, click Settings, then Account and enable Two-step verification.
What is WhatsApp Disappearing Messages?
Another new security feature on WhatsApp is the option to automatically delete messages from all new chats.
The function, called Disappearing Messages, allows users to choice from four options, including Off, 24 hours, 7 days or 90 days.
To turn on the function go to Settings, then Account, then Privacy and then turn on Default Message Timer.
Now check out all of the emojis that mean something different:
1) Bowing Man 🙇
This guy isn't thinking, he's bowing! Although often mistaken for a man thinking or doing push-ups, this emoji is actually bowing deeply called dogeza in Japan.
2) Sleepy Face 😪
Although technically called 'Sleepy Face', this emoji isn't crying, the 'tear' is actually coming from its nose. This brings a whole other meaning to this 'sad' emoji.
3) See-No-Evil Monkey 🙈
While most people assume it mean 'oh dear' or 'oops', the 'See-No-Evil Monkey' actually part of the 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' proverb, hence the other two monkey emojis next to it.
4) Person Gesturing No 🙅
While it looks like the person could be doing The X Factor symbol, she is actually gesturing 'no'.
5) Face With Steam From Nose 😤
In a survey conducted last year 69% of the people asked perceived this to mean 'very angry/in a huff'. It actually means 'expressing triumph after great frustration'.
6) Tired Face 😫
This 'tired face' is often confused with the similar 'weary face'. Some also interpret it as a frustrated face.
7) Hushed Face 😯
Its proper definition is someone who should be kept quiet, but many believe it to be surprised or astonished.
8) Disappointed but Relieved Face 😥
Contrary to the upset meaning that many use it for, its true meaning is 'disappointed but relieved'.
9) Dash Symbol 💨
Whilst many think of this as a fart it actually means the fast movement of a person or vehicle!
10) Person with Folded Hands 🙏
No, this person isn't praying! In Japan, a folded hand gesture is commonly used to say 'please' and 'thank you'.
11) Poop emoji
Perhaps the most famous misinterpreted emoji, this little fella isn't actually a poop - he's a happy chocolate ice cream, duh. It was proven (by science) when a Twitter user superimposed the ALLEGED poop over the actual Ice Cream emoji and the shapes fit exactly.
12) Dancing girls
These are dancing girls of the rather more risqué persuasion than what you've been using them as. Sure, nothing says gals night out on the town like these two, but they actually originated as Japanese 'bunny girls', akin to strippers or playboy bunnies.
13) Sassy Girl
There's a Sassy Girl in all of us, but it turns out she's not actually flicking her hair like she just don't care in this emoji - she's actually an information kiosk lady. Who knew.
14) Aubergine emoji
While we know - WE KNOW - that popular culture dictates that this is, in fact a peen, you'll be sad to know that it wasn't designed as such and is actually just an Aub. Day ruiner or what.
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