WhatsApp, allows users to text each users on different platforms running the same application at the fraction of the cost of an SMS, has sent an official statement on their blog denying the recent rumors that the company is about to start charging users.
There have been few messages doing rounds, like
WhatsApp is going to cost us money soon. The only way that it will stay free is if you are a frequent user i.e. you have at least 10 people you are chatting with. To become a frequent user send this message to 10 people who receive it (2 ticks) and your WhatsApp logo should turn Red to indicate a frequent user.
and
“Whatsapp is shutting down on 28th jan Message from Jim Balsamic (CEO of Whatsapp) we have had an over usage of user names on whatsapp Messenger. We are requesting all users to forward this message to their entire contact list. If you do not forward this message, we will take it as your account is invalid and it will be deleted within the next 48 hours. Please DO NOT ignore this message or whatsapp will no longer recognise your activation. If you wish to re-activate your account after it has been deleted, a charge of 25.00 will be added to your monthly bill. We are also aware of the issue involving the pictures updates not showing. We are working diligently at fixing this problem and it will be up and running as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation from the Whatsapp team”
and here is the Official Statement from Whatsapp
Please understand that this is a hoax and there is no truth to it. We would rather work on cool new features instead of debunking silly stories like these.
So, in the future if you receive a broadcast message like this, you know it is Fake, Unless you find you self reading something similar on the Whatsapp Official Blog!
Please spread the message and do not fall prey to these rumors