WhatsApp Gold is malware, says WhatsApp

PETALING JAYA: Users of popular social media chat application WhatsApp have warned its users against downloading the WhatsApp Gold version that could infect their phones with malware.
Similar to scams like WhatsApp Plus, the social media chat application acknowledged that users may have received spam from an unauthorised third party and not them.
"We work diligently to reduce any spam messages that come through our system. Creating a safe space for users to communicate with one another is a priority.
"Unwanted messages from unauthorised third parties come in many forms, such as spam, hoax and phishing messages," said WhatsApp in its FAQ.
Invitation to download WhatsApp Gold has been reported by many users after they had received invitational messages, to download the version purportedly used by celebrities.
WhatsApp Gold in its invitation claims to possess advanced features like video calls, option to delete messages sent by mistake, the ability to send more than 100 pictures at once, free calls and variable WhatsApp themes.
Furthermore according to the invitation, WhatsApp Gold can be activated via invitation only, and upon activation, the familiar green WhatsApp icon will turn gold and that users would be able to enjoy its new features.
Users planning to download the WhatsApp Gold through a website link, would be prompted to send out invites to five groups and 10 WhatsApp friends.
Subsequent download of the app from the website will infect the users' phone with malware which in turn could allow cyber-criminals to steal valuable data.
As such, users be aware that there is only one version of WhatsApp.
This as WhatsApp Gold cannot be downloaded from the Apple App store or Google Play store.