A new wave of scams is targeting WhatsApp users through Telegram, tricking people into paying for fake iOS beta invites. Fraudsters are exploiting the high demand for beta access by posting altered screenshots, recycled tech news, and fake verification badges to make their offers appear legitimate.
WhatsApp’s iOS beta runs through Apple’s TestFlight, which is capped at 10,000 users. Once the program is full or enrollment closes, no new testers can join until slots reopen. Scammers use this scarcity to advertise so-called “exclusive” access, even though WhatsApp has never charged for beta enrollment.
Victims are typically asked to pay between $25 and $50 via PayPal’s “Friends and Family” option — a method that removes buyer protection. Once money is sent, the scammers block victims, leaving them with no way to recover their funds. Some Telegram groups promoting these fake offers have more than 6,000 subscribers, adding a false sense of credibility.
According to WABetaInfo, reports of such scams surface every week. Many victims are deceived because the fraudsters republish real WABetaInfo updates and attach fake TestFlight screenshots to make the offers look professional.
WhatsApp has confirmed that beta access is always free and distributed only through official channels. Users are strongly advised to avoid any third-party offers, especially those requesting payment, and to follow only verified sources for updates on beta availability.
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