Mumbai, November 20: A viral message that is being widely shared on WhatsApp claims that sending forwarded "Good morning" messages can put the phone on risk of phishing. The long message which reads "forwarded as received" also says that sending and receiving such messages can steal important data from the phone. The message has gone viral on not just WhatsApp but also other social media sites like Twitter. However, a fact check on the viral message reveals the truth behind the message.┬аWhatsApp Fake Message: Hoax Claiming to Be From TRAI Suggests Using Right Thumb Impression to Open Websites Can Leak Your Biometric Data.
After inspection, it came to light that the messages doing rounds are not only fake but also have no substance. The misleading message says that sending any good morning message can lead to theft of data from the phone. It further says that the only way to avoid the theft of data is by typing customised messages.┬аFake Websites, Viral WhatsApp Messages Claim Modi Government Offering Free Laptops Under 'Make In India' Initiative, Developer Arrested.
"Please read this warning coming from China from the Shanghai International News today it sent an SOS to all subscribers (this is the third reminder) that experts advise & recommend: Please don't send Good morning, good night, or any funny festivals greetings such as pictures & movies etc..The reports state that hackers in China have designed the pictures, movies so perfectly for hiding phishing codes within them, when everybody forwards and sends those, they will go and steal personal information from your device," reads part of the message.
Read the Full Message Going Viral Below
Similar Messages Circulating on Twitter
Please do not send Good Morning Wishes/Messages.
Please read this warning coming from China from the Shanghai International News today it sent an SOS to all subscribers (this is the third reminder) that experts... https://t.co/8q8jVynPdT
тАФ Kimberry Lee (@prettyvase932) November 15, 2019
A Few Irritated Users
"Please do not send good morning wishes/messages". I swear at this point I'm going to throw my phone in the bin. pic.twitter.com/lqwyFXOXsj
тАФ ghanaditian (@findingmalo) November 12, 2019
On further inquiry it is clear that the messages doing rounds are misleading. We appeal to the readers to not give in to such messages and also avoid circulating them further. There is no truth to the claim that the "good morning" messages can harm the privacy of the users phone or those receiving or sending such messages. Also, the claim that China is behind these forwarded messages have no substance as no credible information is available on the same.
Fact check
Sending forwarded "good morning" messages can put the phone on risk of phishing and steal important data from the phone.
The widely shared messages are blatantly false.
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