Thousands of WhatsApp users were given the option to download WhatsApp Gold, via links spread over texts and social networks. This fake version of the app claimed to offer premium features that were only previously available to celebrities and users of status ooh, aah! Instead of premium features, the download actually led to the last feature a user would ever want: malware. Don t just assume that any message you see from a technology provider is legitimate. If you receive a message that looks like a scam, delete it, and do not click to investigate.
Source: https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/consumer/mobile-and-iot-security/whatsapp-why-upgrading-isnt-gold/