WhatsApp users are reporting receiving a message encouraging them to switch to a premium version of the app called WhatsApp Gold, which actually contains malicious software.

A picture circulating on Twitter suggests that the spammer has contacted users through the official WhatsApp and told them to upgrade to the "golden version" until now only available to celebrities. The new version supposedly lets users make video calls, send 100 pictures at once, and delete messages after they've sent them.

Fake third party apps can download malicious software onto devices that tracks users, and steals their personal data and files.

It is not clear how many people have been affected by the scam - or if it's even real. The Telegraph did not find WhatsApp Gold in the Android or iOS app stores, and the website address in the message leads to a 404 error page.