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WhatsApp 'servers congested' hoax message strikes again

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Supriya Rai
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NEW DELHI, INDIA: WhatsApp is no doubt one of the best free file sharing apps in the world. However, if you are a regular user of the app, you might be aware of a persistent problem regarding the app. Hoax messages keep striking WhatsApp users every once in awhile. The latest one reads:

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''Hello, we are Andy & John, director of MSN and now also 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. We need our active users to forward this message to every single person in your contact list in order to confirm our active users that use WhatsApp, if you do not send this message to all your contacts to WhatsApp, then your account will remain inactive with the consequence of losing all your contacts. The automatic update symbol on your SmartPhone, appear with the transmission of this message. Your smartphone will be updated within 24 hours, will feature a new design, a new color for the chat and the icon will change from green to azul.Whatsapp will pay rate unless you are a frequent user. If you have at least 10 contacts send this sms and logo will become red to indicate that you are a frequent user Tomorrow begin to take messages for whatsapp to 0.37 cents. Forward this message to more than 9 people in your contact list and you will be free lifetime blue look and the ball will make it up. As we shall see! Confirming this is the new icon WhatsApp. Send it to all your contacts to update the application''

Users, who are unaware of this problem, seem to be circulating the message believing it to be true. Although, some users have taken to Twitter to warn people that the message is a hoax. ''LOL. Never bothered to read it. Obviously a hoax'' says a tweet. A user even questions WhatsApp developers if they are aware of this problem. ''@WhatsApp Are you aware of this hoax being sent via your app which is causing scaremongering amongst people?'' asks a tweet from the user.

Whats users also seem to be frustrated with the hoax messages that constantly do the rounds. ''Have received so many of those "whatsapp servers congested, avoid losing acct & contacts by forwarding this msg" things. It's a hoax dammit,'' says a frustrated user on Twitter.

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However, WhatsApp developers in their blog have made it very clear that these are hoax messages. ''Please understand that this is a hoax and there is no truth to it. While we are flattered that we made it to Hoax Slayer, we would rather work on cool new features instead of debunking silly stories like these,'' says the blogpost.

Also, the file sharing app is free for one year for Android users, and after a year the service is paid. ''Please download the latest version of WhatsApp Messenger and enjoy our service free for 1 year! During, or after free trial period you can purchase service for $0.99 USD/year,'' says a message on the WhatsApp website.

Although, despite being told several times that the messages are fake, users can't help but get alarmed on receiving these messages.

What do you have to say? Have you received and circulated such hoax messages? Are there any other hoax messages you would like to add to the list? Feel free to do so.



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