Fact-check: WhatsApp NOT offering 1000 GB of free internet as a 10th-anniversary data gift

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As the imposter website link claimed, WhatsApp is not offering 1000 GB of free internet as its 10th-anniversary data gift.

Writer: Rufina Isaac

A WhatsApp message being shared widely with a link claiming that WhatsApp is offering 1000 GB of free internet as a WhatsApp anniversary data gift is a hoax.

The message claims that WhatsApp is offering data gifts to celebrate its 10th anniversary, but WhatsApp’s 10th anniversary was celebrated in 2019.

“To celebrate our 10th anniversary we give 1000 GB of free internet. Check this Out, Free 50GB (All Networks) valid for 90 days in Celebration of WhatsApp Anniversary,” the message reads partially.

 Screenshot of the claim as shown on WhatsApp  

On clicking on this link,  will pop up and block the user from further accessing the website. 

      

 Screenshot of the anti-virus Kaspersky blocking device threat

Claim verification:

The WhatsApp message claims that the free data is being offered to celebrate WhatsApp’s 10th anniversary. However, the instant messaging application was founded in 2009 and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2019.

211 Check investigated the link, scanning the URL using VirusTotal. This online tool analyses suspicious files, domains, IPs, and URLs to detect malware and other breaches. It automatically shares them with the security community to determine the safety of the link to online viruses and other scams. 

Nine security vendors flagged the URL as containing malicious and phishing content. 

Screenshot of the analysis by VirusTotal of the imposter URL

Another scan was done through  Whois.com, a publicly available database containing domain name registration information. Searching both websites shows different results for the fake and original links.

                           

   screenshot of the fake URL of WhatsApp

    Whois information of the original WhatsApp website 

Conclusion:

211 Check finds a WhatsApp message with a link claiming to be for WhatsApp, a hoax. Findings show that the link is embedded with phishing and malicious malware intended to steal people’s information and personnel data on the devices. Be cautious of such websites; using the official website, WhatsApp.com, is always advisable.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.
It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: South Sudanese event promoter Kay Two is alive, not dead

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On his official Facebook page, Promoter Kay Two dismissed the news as fake.

Writer: Christopher Luate Obede

A Facebook post on Dhakdit media alleging that a South Sudanese event promoter named Promoter Kay Two is said to have died the evening of 23 November 2023 with a short illness in Juba teaching hospital is false, 

Dhakdit media, which has around 41 followers and 21 likes on Facebook, captioned a picture of Promoter Kay Two claiming the event promoter had passed away in Juba that evening, “A South Sudan music promoter by name Promota Kay Two has died this evening with short illness in Juba Teaching hospital.”

Promota Kay Two, whose real name is Koryom Awet Alor, is a South Sudanese events guru and the founder of K2 Promotions and Events Company Limited.

Screenshot of the false Facebook post

Claim Verification:

Koryom Awet Alor, also known as Promoter K2, dismissed the news as fake by sharing a screenshot of the false post.

“Please disregard any news about me. It’s FAKE NEWS, I’m alive and healthy by The grace of God,” he said on his official Facebook page.

Screenshot of the Facebook post he shared.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that the Facebook post claiming that South Sudanese event promoter Koryom Awet Alor alias Kay Two died in Juba is false.  According to the evidence here, the music/event promoter is alive. On his official Facebook page, Promoter Kay Two dismissed the news as fake.

A publication under 211 Check’s ‘Fact-check for a pay’ Initiative with Support from the International Fact-checking Network through the BUILD grant.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter