Scammers are exploiting WhatsApp users’ desire to join the iOS test program by selling fake invitations on Telegram. These scammers use fake verification badges, rehashed headlines, and altered screenshots to make their offerings appear genuine. However, beta access on WhatsApp is free, as are all official updates.
WhatsApp’s iOS beta program is administered by Apple’s TestFlight and is limited to 10,000 users. Once the program is full, no more testers can join unless someone resigns. WhatsApp occasionally even prevents users from registering. Scammers take advantage of these restrictions by luring victims with false claims of “exclusive” access.
PayPal’s “Friends and Family” feature, which removes buyer protection, is frequently used by scammers to request payments between $25 and $50. Victims are banned after being paid and are unable to recoup their losses. Some Telegram channels that promote these scams appear authentic due to their large user base of over 6,000.
People are regularly duped by these schemes, according to WABetaInfo. Scammers often republish WABetaInfo updates and include fake TestFlight screenshots with the offers to make them look authentic. Many people fall for these scams because they look professional and promise access to unreleased features.
WhatsApp has never charged for beta access, and any offer that requests money is fraudulent. When spots for the official beta program, which is free but has a limited number of spots, become available, users should only believe reliable sources.
