WhatsApp have released an urgent warning to their users amid a scam circulating involving fake accounts.
The accounts are said to be posing as the messaging platform itself with users urged to take caution if they get a message from a "suspicious account".
Around two billion users are said to use the service according to the Liverpool Echo with its creators asking people to delete the text straight away as they are not from WhatsApp.
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Representatives at WhatsApp said: "Some of these accounts set a particular profile photo that contains a verified badge so they may be able to people. How can you understand if you are chatting with a verified account on WhatsApp?
"When you are chatting with a verified contact, there is a verified badge placed next to the contact name in the conversation screen and their chat info. If you see the verified badge located in a different place, for example, on the profile photo, it means the contact pretends to be verified, but it is trying to fool you."
WhatsApp have also stressed they they will never ask you for personal details, such as your credit card or information like your two-step verification PIN.
Messages asking you for personal information are not from them and you should never give that information away.
This latest warning comes after users found out they could be banned from using the app if they send too many messages. More than 100 billion messages are sent each day on WhatsApp.
But the bosses of the messaging platform warn that your account could be banned if you don't adhere to certain rules. One of these relates to the number of messages you send.
WhatsApp warns users must not send "bulk messages" meaning a person or organisation sends a large number of the same message to multiple people.
It's often used by companies trying to advertise a product or sending a message to their staff. But it can also be used by scammers.
Other rule breaks that could see your WhatsApp account banned include impersonating other people and extracting personal information from people. Your account may also be suspended if people report your messages.
If your account is banned, you'll see the following message when trying to access WhatsApp: "Your phone number is banned from using WhatsApp. Contact support for help. WhatsApp said it bans accounts "if we believe the account activity violates our Terms of Service".
WhatsApp's website says: "Please keep in mind, we might not issue a warning before banning your account. If you think your account was banned by mistake, please email us and we'll look into your case."
