An immediate WhatsApp warning has been issued to its two billion users as fake accounts have been posing as the messaging platform.
Anyone receiving a message from a "suspicious account" is advised to delete it straight away. WhatsApp blog WABetaInfo said there is a clear way to identify that the messages aren't really from WhatsApp.
It said: "Some of these accounts set a particular profile photo that contains a verified badge so they may be able to people. How can you understand if you are chatting with a verified account on WhatsApp?
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"When you are chatting with a verified contact, there is a verified badge placed next to the contact name in the conversation screen and their chat info. If you see the verified badge located in a different place, for example, on the profile photo, it means the contact pretends to be verified, but it is trying to fool you."
WhatsApp will also never ask you for personal details, such as your credit card or information like your two-step verification PIN. Any such messages will be from fraudsters.
This latest warning comes after users finding out they could be banned from using the app if they send too many messages. More than 100 billion messages are sent each day on WhatsApp.
But the bosses of the messaging platform warn your account could be banned if you don't adhere to certain rules. One of these relates to the number of messages you send.
WhatsApp warns users must not send "bulk messages". This is where a person or organisation send a large number of the same message to many phones.
It is often used by companies trying to advertise a product, or even scammers. However, it can also be used by people trying to inform a large group of people of something, for example a boss trying to get a message to their staff.
Other rule breaks that could see your WhatsApp account banned include impersonating other people and extracting personal information from people. Your account may also be suspended if people report your messages.
If your account is banned, you'll see the following message when trying to access WhatsApp: "Your phone number is banned from using WhatsApp. Contact support for help." WhatsApp said it bans accounts "if we believe the account activity violates our Terms of Service".
WhatsApp's website says: "Please keep in mind, we might not issue a warning before banning your account. If you think your account was banned by mistake, please email us and we'll look into your case."
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