Viber users have started receiving false messages stating that next Saturday the messenger will become a paid service. According to the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council, this information is untrue.
«Users are receiving messages claiming that «next Saturday Viber will become paid». The text urges people to «forward this message to 10 contacts to keep the messenger free», and adds that «the logo will turn blue». This is an old fake that has been circulating online since at least 2018. The message lacks any specific dates, official sources, or confirmations from Viber. The phrase «next Saturday» without a date is included to create a sense of urgency», the message states.
It is noted that no messenger (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) can become paid without an official announcement from the company. This claim contradicts logic: Viber cannot automatically charge fees unless the user has provided their payment information.
The Center for Countering Disinformation points out that such messages serve as a kind of «trust test». The data collected may be used to prepare disinformation campaigns or phishing attacks.
