It is repeatedly claimed that WhatsApp will have to be paid for. Scammers take advantage of these rumors to cash in.
An email claims that the “annual IN service” for WhatsApp would expire, which is why you have to pay an annual fee in order to continue using WhatsApp and keep your data.

The email, which apparently comes from WhatsApp, says in beautifully bad German:
“Your annual IN service will expire in 48 hours.
WhatsApp ID: 840599IM
Extend your annual subscription!
Please renew as soon as possible to avoid loss of all media (video, photos…)”
If we click on the link in the email, Kaspersky warn us:

Without online protection we come to a dubious site that has nothing to do with WhatsApp but wants credit card details:

Many users are unsettled, but think nothing of transferring the small sum of 99 cents.
The problem, however, is that criminals now have the sensitive credit card data and can either sell it on the dark web or use it to make purchases on the Internet at the user's expense.
The goods ordered with the data are usually delivered somewhere abroad, so it is very difficult to find the people behind them.
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Conclusion
WhatsApp is and will remain free, and there are no plans or announcements that the app would become paid for at some point in the future.
It is best to delete emails of this type immediately; under no circumstances should you click on the link in these emails.
Those affected should have their card blocked by their credit card provider as soon as possible!
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

