WhatsApp is currently warning its users about scammers. (icon image)
© Sebastian Julno/dpa; Collage: RUHR24
WhatsApp users should check the messenger on their smartphone. Scammers are currently active through a copy of the app.
Germany – WhatsApp is used by countless people in Germany every day. But for now, the app advises caution. Private account can be blocked, reports RUHR24*.
| Request | The WhatsApp |
| Developer | WhatsApp Inc. / Facebook Inc |
| Year of Publication | 2009 |
| Category | instant message |
WhatsApp Warning: The fake version of Messenger may get your account banned
Regardless of whether it is for voice messages, SMS or file exchange – although Scandals about changing the General Terms and Conditions (GTC) on WhatsApp* Messenger is still very popular. But if you don’t want to do without the app, you should check it out now.
Because there is currently a fake version of WhatsApp circulating. If you install this alternative on your smartphone, you risk not being able to use your own account.
In fact, they should WhatsApp users thanks to new functions, such as choosing video quality*, keep enjoying the app. However, some users are currently receiving unwanted notification. A message appears in the messenger app that your private account is temporarily banned.
WhatsApp Fraud Warning: How Users Can Identify a Fake Copy
If you don’t react right away, you could lose your WhatsApp account — and with it all your saved messages, photos, and videos, the company warns. This happens if the user uses the fake version of the messenger instead of the original application even after being temporarily blocked.
You can check if you are using the original WhatsApp app in the settings. To do this, users on Android devices simply click on the three dots in the upper right corner, then select “Settings” and then “Help”. The App Info option is hidden at the bottom.
WhatsApp users may lose their account if they do not act immediately.
© Karl-Josef Hildenbrand / dpa
The procedure is slightly different with iPhones. WhatsApp users with an iPhone should select “More options”, then “Settings” then “Help” and “App info”. In the case of fake copies, it says “GB WhatsApp” or “WhatsApp Plus” or something similar. Anyone who discovers such a name should act immediately.
WhatsApp Account Banned: Users Can Still Save Data Despite Fraud
Depending on the WhatsApp version, this includes saving your chat history first. According to the messenger service, this is especially important if a version other than “GB WhatsApp” or “WhatsApp Plus” is used. Then the following steps must be followed carefully. The following applies to “GB WhatsApp”:
- Wait for the account to be temporarily banned. The timer should indicate when the app can be used again.
- Select “Chats” under the “More options” category and then save the chat.
- In the general settings of the smartphone, first click on “Save”, then “Files”.
- Select “More” and “Rename” in the upper right corner so that the folder name can be changed to “WhatsApp”. The method can vary slightly depending on the smartphone and operating system.
- Users must now install the official version of WhatsApp via Play Store or App Store and then verify their mobile number.
- If the backup creation was successful, the chats can now be restored by clicking Restore and Next.
If you read “WhatsApp Plus” in the app info instead of “GB WhatsApp”, you can follow similar steps. So, even with this fake messenger, you must first download the official app from Play Store or App Store and verify the number.
In the video: WhatsApp’s new feature – Chat messages self-destruct
If your chat logs were backed up previously, they should be restored automatically when you use the official WhatsApp version.
But watch out: some messages cannot be retrieved. So WhatsApp has a “self-destruct mode” for messages, photos and videos* Furnished. If this option is activated, the texts in the chats will be automatically deleted after the recipient looks at them once. *RUHR24 is part of the Editing Network IPPEN.MEDIA.
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