‘WASPs’ and updates – Always read the fineprint
According to Hoax Slayer, a popular website known for debunking email and social media myths, as well as exposing scams, it is technically legal for WASPs to do this, as they disclose the added fees in fine print under the ‘CONTINUE’ link, which users do not often read.
“YOU have not updated to the latest WhatsApp Add-ons. Click here now.”
If you are a WhatsApp user and have received this message, please do not click on the attached link, unless you are prepared to pay a substantial amount extra on your monthly cellphone bill. The message is sent from a Wireless Application Service Provider (WASP) and is created to mislead unsuspecting social networkers into parting with their hard-earned money.
By clicking on the link, you will be redirected to a screen prompting you to click on a large green ‘CONTINUE’ link, under the somewhat disingenuous guise of updating your WhatsApp Add-ons.
By reading the fine print below the link (and, let’s be honest, how many of us do?), it becomes apparent that the link, in fact, has nothing to do with WhatsApp at all. The message is a scam created to trick mobile users into unknowingly signing up for ‘BuddieChat,’ a service which will charge them a hefty fee of R7-00 per day.
According to Hoax Slayer, a popular website known for debunking email and social media myths, as well as exposing scams, it is technically legal for WASPs to do this, as they disclose the added fees in fine print under the ‘CONTINUE’ link, which users do not often read.
If you have received this message, it is advised that you delete it. If you have fallen victim to this scam, it is suggested that you report it to your mobile provider immediately.
‘My Broadband’ suggested the following tips to unsubscribe from a WASP’s service from Cell C, MTN, or Vodacom:
Cell C: Using the USSD string *133*1#, subscribers can block all existing and future content billing.
MTN: Dial *141*5# and select which services to unsubscribe from.
Vodacom: Vodacom users can unsubscribe from all WASP services by sending “STOP ALL” to 30333.
(Photos: www.thetechieguy.com)
