Scammers are taking advantage of WhatsApp users eager to join the iOS beta program by selling fake invites on Telegram. These criminals are tricking people with false promises, using edited screenshots, old news stories, and even fake verification badges to make their offers look real. Many unsuspecting users fall into the trap, not realizing that WhatsApp never charges for beta access. In fact, all official updates are completely free.
How the WhatsApp Beta Program Works
The WhatsApp iOS beta is run through Apple’s TestFlight platform. TestFlight limits the number of participants to 10,000 users. Once the program reaches this maximum, no new testers can join unless someone leaves. Sometimes, WhatsApp also closes enrollment altogether. These strict rules make beta spots very rare and highly sought after, which creates the perfect opportunity for scammers to mislead users by offering “exclusive” access that does not exist.
How the Scams Work
Fraudsters usually demand payments between $25 and $50 from interested users. They often ask for the money to be sent through PayPal’s “Friends and Family” option, which is a risky method of payment. Unlike regular PayPal purchases, this option removes buyer protection, meaning that once the scammer disappears or blocks the victim, the money cannot be recovered.
Many of these fake schemes are promoted through Telegram channels. Some channels even have more than 6,000 subscribers, which makes them appear legitimate at first glance. The large number of followers adds to the illusion of trustworthiness, drawing in even more victims.
Tricks Used to Fool Victims
According to WABetaInfo, a trusted source for WhatsApp updates, these scams are reported almost every week. Scammers often copy genuine WABetaInfo news updates and combine them with fake TestFlight screenshots to make their posts look official. By promising access to unreleased WhatsApp features, they create excitement and urgency, convincing users to pay quickly before “spots run out.”
What Users Need to Know
The most important fact is simple: WhatsApp has never sold beta access. The official beta program is always free, though it is limited and sometimes hard to join. Any person or group asking for money in exchange for access is running a scam.
Experts advise users to stay cautious, avoid suspicious offers, and only rely on official WhatsApp announcements or verified sources to check if beta spots are available. By being aware of these fraudulent schemes, users can protect themselves from losing money to scammers.
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