Users of Viber have started receiving misleading messages claiming that the messenger will become paid as of next Saturday. This information is false, as reported by the Center for Counteracting Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council in Telegram.

The messages state that "next Saturday Viber will become paid." They urge recipients to "forward this message to 10 contacts to keep the messenger free," and add that "the logo will turn blue". This is an old hoax that has been circulating online since 2018. The text has been repeatedly revived in new waves of messages. There are no specific dates, official sources, or confirmations from Viber in the message. Phrases like "next Saturday" without a specified date are included to create an illusion of urgency.

It is noted that no messenger (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) will become paid without an official announcement from the company. This message defies logic: Viber cannot automatically charge fees if the user has not provided payment information.

The Center for Counteracting Disinformation points out that such messages serve as a kind of "trust test." The information collected can be used to prepare disinformation campaigns or phishing attacks.