WhatsApp Martinelli Hoax Warns About Opening a Video
A WhatsApp hoax claims that you should not open a video named Martinelli because it will send an unfixable virus to your device. In some of the newest versions of the hoax, you are warned to avoid installing an update called WhatsApp Gold.
Example (2018)
Today the radio was talking about WhatsApp Gold and it is true. There is a video that will be released tomorrow on WhatsApp and is called Martinelli. Do not open it. Enter your phone and nothing you do will fix it. Spread the message if you know someone. If you receive a message to update Whatsapp Gold Do not open it! They just announced that the virus is serious. Send it to everyone.
Example (2019)
Today the radio was talking about Whatsapp Gold.
There is a video that will be launched tomorrow in Whatsapp and is called Martinelli. Do not open it. Goes into your phone and nothing you do will fix it.
Spread the word if you know someone.
If you receive a message to update Whatsapp Gold * Do not open it!
They just announced that the virus is serious.
Send it to everyone.
WhatsApp Gold is real malware that masquerades as a WhatsApp update but the information concerning a video called Martinelli is not true. Your device will not be hacked or become infected with a virus if you open a video named Martinelli.
There are several versions of the Martinelli hoax. The first version of the hoax appeared in 2017 but did not include information about WhatsApp Gold:
If you know anyone using WhatsApp you might pass on this. An IT colleague has advised that a video comes out tomorrow from WhatsApp called martinelli do not open it , it hacks your phone and nothing will fix it. Spread the word. Now said on the news this virus is difficult and severe Pass it on to all.
WhatsApp Gold has been a threat since 2016 when messages began to circulate claiming that WhatsApp users could install an update that allowed them to access enhanced features. The messages contained links that directed users to fraudulent websites designed to trick users into downloading malware.
In the wake of the WhatsApp Gold threat, valid warnings about the malware began to circulate across the web and throughout messages on the WhatsApp application.
It’s assumed that the WhatsApp Gold threat and the Martinelli video hoax were combined to cause confusion among WhatsApp users:
- Users who know that information about the Martinelli video is false might also assume that information claiming WhatsApp Gold is malicious are untrue and part of the hoax.
- Users who are aware that WhatsApp Gold is malware might assume that the information about the Martinelli video is true.
Martinelli is just another WhatsApp hoax that is practically harmless. Your device will not get hacked or become infected with unfixable malware if you open a video named Martinelli; However, WhatsApp Gold and various other fake WhatsApp updates and upgrades are a real threat.
Beware of WhatsApp notifications that promote fake updates and upgrades for extra features. These scams are usually designed to steal your passwords and personal information or distribute malware.
If you come across a fake notification for a WhatsApp update, do not click the link.
Furthermore, if you someone sends you a message about the Martinelli video, let them know that it’s just a hoax. Spreading false information does not do anyone any good and can cause a lot of confusion.
