Whats App…’Hoax’ warning

[Bob StevensonParticipant @bobstevenson13909]

heads up about comp/phone virus

[Ian McVickersParticipant @ianmcvickers56553]

Did this thing not appear about 5 or 6 years ago? Pretty sure it was a hoax back then.

[Ed DuffnerParticipant @edduffner79357]

Hi Rob, apparently it's a hoax.

Ed.

[GeorgineerParticipant @georgineer]

Bob, your reliable informant obviously hasn't done this simple search for 'Martinelli phone virus', which brings this up on the Hoax Slayer website: (sorry this is a bit shouty but I can't work out how to use a smaller font)

‘Martinelli’ WhatsApp Video Hack Warning is Yet Another Hoax

written by Brett M. Christensen July 30, 2017

A message currently circulating via WhatsApp warns users not to open a video called “martinelli” because it will hack your phone in 10 seconds and you will not be able to stop it.

The message asks that you pass on the information to others so that they can avoid the threat as well.

The message circulates mainly in Spanish but some poorly translated English versions have surfaced as well.

However, the warning is just another silly Whatsapp hack hoax. There are no credible references to a security threat like the one described.

Spain’s Policía Nacional has debunked the message as a hoax via its Twitter feed.

Another, very similar version of the hoax warns WhatsApp users not to open a video called “Popcorn Carnival”. In fact, the hoax is just one of many silly hacker and virus hoaxes that have circulated in various formats for years.

If you receive this false warning, do not spread the hoax further by sharing it. And let the person who sent it know that the message is a hoax.

Note that, while these messages are hoaxes, WhatsApp users should be wary of fake notifications promising app upgrades or extra features. These are scams designed to steal personal information or distribute malware.

Example of the hoax:

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.

Warning from An Garda. An IT expert 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

Tomorrow comes a video for whatsapp is called martinelli do not open it hacks the phone in 10 seconds and you can not stop in any way pass the data to yours and friends

[Cornish JackParticipant @cornishjack]

I'm sure the OP meant well but have we really not taken on board that the internet is anonymous and a breeding ground for stupidity? Does anyone think it wise to spread any 'chain letter' type rubbish without FULLY authenticating it!

I'm sure Mr Berners-Lee had higher hopes for his brain-child!

rgds

Bill

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I've deleted the post and changed the title so people don't end up panicking…

Neil

[Bob StevensonParticipant @bobstevenson13909]

…..Strangely enough the OP actually DID mean well!

Yes we should all know everything about technology but some of us don't even have smart phones or even know what 'whats app' actually is………quite pleased I don't, actually

……just trying to be helpful and save peoples grief!……..(pleased it's only a hoax)

[Brian HParticipant @brianh50089]

It may 'only' be a hoax but in these perilous times, anyone perpetrating hoaxes such as these should be strung up by something very painful.

Brian

[GeorgineerParticipant @georgineer]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 25/03/2020 12:38:32:

I've deleted the post and changed the title so people don't end up panicking…

Neil

Thanks, Neil

[Author]

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