Fake Warnings Circulating on WhatsApp Claim Dangerous ‘gold’ Version and ‘martinelli Video‘
Berlin – Users are once again receiving warnings via WhatsApp about a supposed “WhatsApp Gold” version and a video known as the “martinelli video,” prompting fears of a virus. These messages urge recipients too forward them to their contacts to provide protection – a tactic that experts say is a hallmark of a long-running hoax.
The warnings are a recurring chain letter that resurfaces in various forms, according to the independent fact-checking portal Mimikama. There is no evidence of a dangerous “WhatsApp Gold” version or the existence of the “Martinelli video.” The primary goal of these messages is to create uncertainty and spread rapidly, but they do not transmit a virus.
These warnings have been circulating for years, preying on user anxieties about online security. While the messages themselves aren’t harmful, forwarding them contributes to the spread of misinformation. Mimikama advises against forwarding such messages and suggests politely informing the sender that it is indeed a known hoax.
Individuals who receive these messages should not forward them, preventing further dissemination of the false data. Checking independent fact-checking sites like Mimikama or WhatsApp’s official channels can also verify the legitimacy of warnings.
While these chain letters themselves pose no direct threat, caution is always advised when dealing with unknown links or attachments, particularly from unfamiliar senders. Such messages should be deleted and, if necessary, reported to WhatsApp.
