A viral message has taken social media by storm. The message is warning people that answering a phone call from a specific mobile number may set their handset on fire and get them killed.
Those who’ve been on social platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp would perhaps know by now that not everything can and should be trusted. Chain messages are not a new thing and more often than not, they can be down right lame. Consider the recent viral message doing the rounds which says that a phone call from the number 777888999 can set your phone on fire and may get you killed.
“URGENT ?pl don’t attend any Call of mob no …777888999….if u attend. Call your mobile will blast …..pl share to your friends …,” the message said.
“Savdhaan ish No.777888999 Se call aya toh utana nhi, nhi toh ye aapke akhri call b hosakta hain,” read another message.
What is 777888999?
You may think this message takes a leaf straight out of The Ring, but while the latter is clearly fictional, a lot of people are believing the hoax that is the 777888999 number. Many have taken to Facebook, WhatsApp and just about every other social media platform to warn people from picking up a call from the number 777888999. Media reports have numerous examples of frantic posts on social media.
Another message reads, “A lady will speak to the call receiver and tell that it’s the last call for him. Please pass this message to others and don’t neglect. Pass it to your friends and family.”
Why is 777888999 a hoax?
There are a few obvious reasons that the ‘death’ number is clearly a hoax. For one, there seems to be no logical way on how a call from 777888999 can lead to a phone to blast, let alone kill you. Second, the number itself is only nine digits, which just won’t work in India. Even if it is an international number, there would be a country code attached with it. Lastly, there seems to be no documented case as of now regarding this.
However, according to media reports, all this is just another social media hoax. Actually, nine digit numbers do not exist in India. Nine digit numbers exist in foreign countries and if Indian number receive such calls then it will be prefixed with a country code.
There have been many hoaxes in the past that tend to go viral without any concrete proof and we urge our readers not to forward the message and cause unwanted panic or trouble.