WhatsApp users, please ignore the chain messages below, because they are all fakes. The messages falsely claim that WhatsApp servers are congested, they have a limited amount of accounts and WhatsApp will start charging unless you share the same message with friends.
The Fake WhatsApp Chain Messages
“Hello, I. Am riya director of whatsapp, this message is to inform all of our users that we have only 530 accounts available for new phones, and that our servers have recently been very congested, so we asking for your help to solve this problem…”
"WhatsApp is going to cost us money soon. The only way that it will stay free is if you are a frequent user i.e. you have at least 10 people you are chatting with.to become a frequent user send this message to 10 people who receive it (2 ticks) and your WhatsApp logo should turn Red to indicate a frequent user."
“Whatsapp is shutting down on 28th jan Message from Jim Balsamic (CEO of Whatsapp) we have had an over usage of user names on whatsapp Messenger. We are requesting all users to forward this message to their entire contact list. If you do not forward this message, we will take it as your account is invalid and it will be deleted within the next 48 hours. Please DO NOT ignore this message or whatsapp will no longer recognise your activation. If you wish to re-activate your account after it has been deleted, a charge of 25.00 will be added to your monthly bill. We are also aware of the issue involving the pictures updates not showing. We are working diligently at fixing this problem and it will be up and running as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation from the Whatsapp team”
WhatsApp servers are currently not congested, they do not have limited amount of accounts and sharing the bogus chain messages above, will not stop WhatsApp from charging you. WhatsApp has started charging everyone 0.99 cents each year for their services. So, whether you are an IPhone, Android or other mobile platform users, going forward, you will be charged $0.99 per year to use WhatsApp. Before, Android and other different platform users of WhatsApp received free service for the first year and then were charged 99 cents each year after.
WhatsApp has this to say about the new charge:
"First, we are updating our business model for new iPhone users going forward. As you know, we used to charge iPhone users a $.99 one time payment, while Android and other platforms had free service for the first year and paid $0.99 a year after that. From now on, we’ve simplified our business model so that all users on all platforms will enjoy their first year of WhatsApp service for free, and only pay $.99 per year after that. We feel that this model will allow us to become the communications service of the 21st century, and provide you the best way to stay in touch with your friends and family with no ads getting in the way. The good news for all current iPhone users is that WhatsApp will be free of charge for the rest of your life."
Now, if you are sent a message, please research what the message claims, before following the instructions in it. These messages are not a threat but, the next one might be.
The hoax is similar to the following: