Hoax messages circulating

In October 2025, warnings re-surfaced over a supposed "WhatsApp Gold" update — an alleged premium version of WhatsApp that supposedly offers exclusive features like new emojis and better video quality.

Warnings circulated about the supposed "WhatsApp Gold" update a number of years ago, describing it as a scam that would install malicious software on people's phones and compromise their personal information. The posts urged people not to engage with messages about the alleged premium version of WhatsApp.

This message appears to have been combined with an old viral hoax message relating to the “Martinelli” video. That itself was a hoax, with nothing to show such a video ever existed at all, and was in fact debunked back in 2017.

THERE IS ONLY ONE VERSION OF WHATSAPP.

Any updates to WhatsApp will usually happen through the app. WhatsApp should only ever be downloaded through their official website, or legitimate App stores.

IF YOU RECEIVE THE WARNING VIA MESSAGE OR SOCIAL MEDIA – PLEASE DO NOT SHARE or FORWARD. You are of course, welcome to share this message!

Before blindly sharing messages you have received or posts you have seen on social media, please always fact check. If you are unsure, you are welcome to message via Facebook or email cyber@derbyshire.police.uk

General mobile malware protection advice

• Always install the latest software and app updates

• Don’t jailbreak or root your devices. Disabling software restrictions leaves your phone, as well as the private data stored on it, vulnerable to malware and cyber criminals

• Only install apps from official app stores, such as Google Play or the app store that came pre-installed with your device