What’s up with your WhatsApp? – New scam could cost you hundreds
If the user then clicks 'CONTINUE', and does not read the fine print underneath, they could be charged R7 a day.
A new WhatsApp scam has hit South Africa, and it could cost users hundreds of Rands on their cell phone bills.
According to reports, users have been receiving messages from a Wireless Application Service Provider (WASP) stating: “You have not updated to the latest WhatsApp Add-ons.”
Users are then urged to click on a link that takes them to a page with a green ‘CONTINUE’ button.
If the user then clicks continue, and does not read the fine print underneath, they would be charged R7 a day, which amounts to more than R200 a month.
Hoax-Slayer, a website that deals exclusively with online scams, said it was technically legal for WASP providers to do this as they do in fact disclose the added fees in fine print. Users simply neglect to read it.
Users are urged to only update their applications via official online stores or the official app website. Any updates that are available will be communicated via these official channels, ensuring you have one point of reference for your applications.
If you are struggling to unsubscribe from a WASP service, My Broadband issued the following tips for each of the cellular service providers.
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.
Adapted report from The Citizen.
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