The WhatsApp Martinelli scam is a virus hoax that started in 2016 and has resurfaced in 2020. The hoax, which spread false information claiming there is a video virus on WhatsApp that can hack phones and nothing can fix or stop it, does not exist. Every year, the scam is resurrected and used to frighten WhatsApp users and trick them into sharing the hoax with their friends and family.
The Martinelli Scam and WhatsApp Hoax
"If you know anyone using WhatsApp you might pass on this. An IT colleague has advised that a video comes out tomorrow from WhatsApp called martinelli do not open it , it hacks your phone and nothing will fix it. Spread the word. If you receive a message to update the Whatsapp to Whatsapp Gold, do not click !!!!!
Now said on the news this virus is difficult and severe
Pass it on to all"
Remember, this Martinelli video, which the hoax claims will wipe phones and make them unfixable, does not exist. Therefore, WhatsApp users who have received the virus hoax are asked not to forward the message, they should just delete it. And, if you have already shared the hoax, please contact the people you have shared it with and let them know that you have found out the message is a hoax and they should delete it.
Although the WhatsApp Martinelli hoax does not exist, it may be linked to the WhatsApp Gold malicious app. No one knows for sure, but the the malicious app was mentioned in the hoax.