Did an Image File Titled 'Mexico Did It' Spread Malware?

In April and May 2021, readers asked Snopes to investigate a viral message, spread primarily through WhatsApp, claiming that an image file with the name “Mexico did it” was about to be shared online and was a vehicle for malware that would quickly wreak havoc on users’ cellphones. The warning, which was also widely posted on Facebook, typically contained the following text: They are going to publish an image that shows how Covid 19 is cured in Mexico and it is called “Mexico did it.” Do not open it because it enters your phone in 5 seconds and it cannot be stopped in any way. It’s a virus. Pass it on to your family and friends. Now they also said it on CNN and BBC. As an illustration of the message’s popularity on Facebook, the following screenshot shows just a selection of posts from late April and early May 2021: The viral warning was bogus and followed the same pattern as a similar viral message that began to spread in the summer of 2020. We are issuing a rating of “False.” We found no evidence to support the claim that such a virus even existed. Furthermore, as of May 3,…
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