Fake News About Paid Viber: What You Need to Know
Viber users are receiving false messages claiming that the messenger will become paid next Saturday. This information is inaccurate. The Center for Counteracting Misinformation under the National Security Council reports this via Telegram.
«Users of the messenger are being told that «Viber will become paid next Saturday». The message urges recipients to «forward this to 10 contacts to keep the messenger free», adding that «the logo will turn blue». This is an old hoax that has been circulating online since at least 2018. The text has repeatedly resurfaced in new waves of messages. The message lacks any specific dates, official sources, or confirmation from Viber. Phrases like «next Saturday» are included to create a sense of urgency», the report states.
It is noted that no messenger (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) can become paid without an official announcement from the company. This message contradicts logic: Viber cannot automatically charge fees if users have not provided their payment information.
The Center for Counteracting Misinformation indicates that such messages serve as a «trust test». The data collected may be used to prepare misinformation campaigns or phishing attacks.
