How Scammers Trick Users with Fake WhatsApp Beta for iOS Invites

Scammers on Telegram are targeting users who want to join the WhatsApp iOS beta by offering fake, paid invites. Using altered screenshots, reposted news, and Photoshop manipulations, they make these offers appear legitimate, but WhatsApp never sells beta access and all official updates are free.

How the WhatsApp beta program for iOS works

WhatsApp offers a beta program that allows select users to test new features before they are released publicly. The iOS beta program is managed through Apple's TestFlight, an application that allows developers to distribute pre-release versions of their apps to a limited number of testers for feedback and bug reporting. Once the maximum number of spots is filled, it becomes impossible for new users to join the beta unless someone else leaves the program.

However, WhatsApp may also temporarily close the beta program for certain reasons. Even if a spot becomes available, new participants may not be able to join right away. This limited access and user frustration create a good opportunity for scammers, who exploit the demand by offering fake beta invites on platforms like Telegram. This anticipation makes users vulnerable to fraud.

Scammers using Telegram for fraud

Scammers take advantage of this situation to deceive users on platforms like Telegram, promoting some WhatsApp builds that often appear different from the official public beta versions to make them seem exclusive and more appealing. Specifically, they claim to offer early access to certain alpha versions of WhatsApp for iOS, and they share altered TestFlight screenshots created with Photoshop to convince users that their beta version is real.

To make their offers appear authentic, these scammers repost news shared by WABetaInfo, so it looks like users have access to exclusive features with their beta build. They also impersonate WhatsApp by using a fake verification badge for their Telegram account to appear more credible, but it is simply a premium emoji. This combination of limited access, the desire to join early, and professional-looking content makes these scams particularly convincing. As a result, many new beta testers end up contacting these scammers, making them easy targets.

Scammers Targeting New Beta Testers

Every week, many people contact WABetaInfo on X and Discord to report this ongoing scam. These reports highlight how convincing the scammers can be, and how easily users can fall victim to their tactics. For this reason, WABetaInfo has been committed to raising awareness about this fraud over the years. We're dedicated to informing as many people as possible so that users can avoid losing money and protect themselves from these scams.

Many users are tricked because these scammers appear knowledgeable. They manage multiple Telegram channels with over 6,000 subscribers. They claim to have a limited number of redeem codes for access to a private testing group. After users request a redeem code, the scammer requests a payment of around $25 to $50 through the "Friends and Family" option via PayPal.

This payment option bypasses buyer protection and makes the transaction irreversible. Once the payment is received, the scammer immediately blocks the user. The victim has no recourse and no access to any beta program. These schemes are carefully designed to seem authentic, which is why even experienced users can fall victim. Remember that any offer requesting money for WhatsApp beta access is always a scam. Do not pay or share personal details.

Official WhatsApp Beta is always free

WhatsApp never sells beta access and does not operate on Telegram. Any versions claimed by these scammers do not exist. Screenshots of builds that have not been announced by WhatsApp or WABetaInfo have been altered to make them appear authentic. Any information about the beta program that is not announced by WhatsApp, WABetaInfo, or other trusted sources (especially if it involves a request for money) is fake and should be ignored.

These scammers exploit the lack of moderation for reported scam accounts, as many users have flagged them without any result, which is why these channels and accounts remain active. Additionally, the official WhatsApp beta program is free and no Telegram channel or third-party service can provide early access legally. Any account claiming to sell exclusive invites is engaging in fraud.

Scammers Follow WhatsApp Updates to Sell Fake Invites

Scammers are constantly adapting and improving their tactics to make their offers seem credible. For example, many users want to experience WhatsApp's new Liquid Glass interface. We announced this new interface in our article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.24.10.70 update. Following our announcement, scammers started claiming they could sell early access to that version to trick victims into paying.

Any unsolicited claim of beta access should be treated with suspicion, and users should never click on unknown links, send money, or share personal information with unverified accounts. While reporting scams is essential, the best way to stay safe is to rely on verified sources and understand how to join the official WhatsApp beta program legitimately.

How to join WhatsApp beta for iOS

If users are interested in joining the WhatsApp for iOS beta program on TestFlight, it is important to remember that spots are extremely limited. Apple only allows a maximum of 10,000 participants in the beta at any given time, so availability is never guaranteed. No matter the beta program's availability, users should never pay anyone for access, as any offer requesting money is a scam. Scammers often pose as legitimate sources, but the official WhatsApp beta is completely free and only accessible through trusted channels.

To stay safe, users should rely exclusively on verified sources and official announcements. Over the years, we have consistently provided accurate information about beta availability, ensuring users know when they can join safely. We post timely updates on our official social channels whenever new beta spots are open, helping users act quickly without risking their money or personal information.

Following these steps carefully will allow users to participate in the WhatsApp beta program legitimately while avoiding fake offers and scams. It's worth noting that the same scammers have also operated on Threads and X in the past. Their earlier activity on Threads and X shows that attempts to trick users with fake WhatsApp beta offers can occur on other platforms as well. Staying informed and verifying all claims is crucial for safely participating in the WhatsApp beta program, regardless of the platform where the claim appears.

Following WABetaInfo on X is the best way to stay informed about new features under development and those released to WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web, and Desktop. We love hearing your feedback, so let us know what you think! You can also explore our dedicated page to discover all our services, or join our Discord Server to chat with others, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest WABetaInfo announcements.