Will WhatsApp and Facebook start charging? Latest scam tells users to pass on chain messages to avoid costs

Facebook and WhatsApp have both said they will not charge users 

• There doesn't seem to be any danger to those participating in the hoax
• If you have received one of these messages, delete it and ignore it instead of passing it on, experts say

Hoax messages have been circulating recently, suggesting the free messaging apps WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger will soon start charging.

WhatsApp itself has said, since the start of last year, it will not charge its customers, and Facebook relies on keeping its service free to users. 

If you have received one of these messages, delete it and ignore it instead of passing it on, experts have warned.

There doesn't seem to be any danger to those participating in the hoax, except for wasting their time.

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Hoax messages have been circulating recently, suggesting the free messaging app WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger are going to start being charged for. If you have received one of these messages, delete it and ignore it instead of passing it on

HOW TO SPOT A HOAX 

 If you get a message that has any of the following attributes, consider it to be spam or malicious:

- The sender claims to be affiliated with WhatsApp.

- The message content includes instructions to forward the message.

- The message claims you can avoid punishment, like account suspension, if you forward the message.

- The message content includes a reward or gift from WhatsApp or another person.

With more than 1 billion monthly users, WhatsApp provides a precious service to people all over the world, keeping them in touch with friends and family.

While Facebook Messenger has a similar reach of around 1 billion users each month, this huge reach of users also comes a huge potential for cyber criminals to attack customers and steal personal information.

The most recent of these scams is a message that says Facebook is going to become chargeable.

The message reads: 'From Saturday morning facebook will become chargeable. If you have at least 10 contacts send them this message. In this way we will see that you are an avid user and your logo will become blue and will remain free. 

'As discussed in the paper today. Facebook will cost 0.01ps per message. Send this message to 10 people. When you do the light will turn blue otherwise facebook will activate billing

Source :Dailymail