WhatsApp warning as users hit with 'monthly fee' asking to pay for messages

A hoax is making its rounds on WhatsApp claiming that the messaging app has been banned.

In a viral voice message that has been circulating since 2019, a person claims WhatsApp users will be charged for the app.

The message falsely alleges that WhatsApp will go offline because of a decision by the "central government" that there are too many users on the app and that it is "not good for the country".

It scares users into forwarding the false claims, expanding the hoax to more and more people.

According to publication News Meter, the voice message, when translated to English, alleges: "If you do not share this message, your WhatsApp will become invalid."

WhatsApp users should not be fooled by the viral message (Getty)

The hoax urges listeners to send the message on to 50 people, but later claims users will only need to send the message on to eight people to keep their accounts active.

If they do not forward the message, fraudsters claim that users will be charged 499 Indian rupees a month, which is equivalent to £4.85.

Users on the messaging app should not be fooled, nor should they pass on the viral hoax to more potential targets.