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The instant messaging platform WhatsApp has been boon and bane for numerous reasons for the user.

The platform, with 65 million active users globally, has been affected by several scams and hoaxes directly affecting the users, 'WhatsApp Gold' is one among them that fooled several users for installing malware.

The WhatsApp Gold is once again making rounds on the platform in the form a video. Seeking clarity on the same, several users went ahead and posted on the social media regarding the scam message they have been receiving over the last few days.

Earlier in the year 2016, several WhatsApp users received messages on their smartphones asking them to download the new update in which they will be able to make video calls and send 100 picture instantly. However, this message was an absolute hoax. Besides, WhatsApp updates are essentially rolled out through the Google Play Store, not from messages.

Zaki Qureshey, a cybercrime expert and Hyderabad Security Cluster Chief Executive Officer stated that "WhatsApp does not send videos at all. This is a long-running scam that suggests there is a premium version of the application that will unlock extra features and abilities. But, there is no such thing. WhatsApp is free as of now and this is not expected to change anytime soon".

This is doing the rounds again. Apparently tomorrow Whats App Gold will be a thing and screw your phone up. #WhatsAppGold #Martinelli #WhatsApp pic.twitter.com/4nHA4N07Xi

— TechBuzz Ireland (@techbuzzinfo) January 2, 2019

The message that is presently doing rounds on WhatsApp reads: "Today the radio was talking about WhatsApp Gold and it is true. There is a video that will be released tomorrow on WhatsApp and is called Martinelli. Do not open it. Enter your phone and nothing you do will fix it. Spread the message if you know someone. If you receive a message to update Whatsapp Gold Do not open it! They just announced that the virus is serious. Send it to everyone."

KCS Raghu Vir, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police said: "They did not receive any such complaint about any gadget getting hacked by the malware known as WhatsApp Gold. He further asked the WhatsApp users to be cautious of such messages and refrain oneself from clicking on embedded links in the messages. He said, "If you receive such a message, you should ignore it and delete it immediately."

-Sowmya Sangam