A viral message warning about a dangerous video called “Dance of the Hillary” has been circulating widely on social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp and Facebook. The message claims to alert users about a malicious virus that can format mobile devices and references a supposed ransomware attack affecting multiple countries.
Social Media Posts
In the past few days, a warning message has been widely circulated across WhatsApp and Facebook, urging users not to open a video titled “Dance of the Hillary.” The message claims the video contains a virus that will format mobile devices and references an announcement supposedly made on BBC radio. It also warns about a ransomware attack affecting 74 countries and instructs users to avoid emails containing a file named “tasksche.exe.” The message ends by urging recipients to forward the alert to all their contacts. One of the most common versions reads:
“Please inform all contacts from your list not to open a video called the Dance of the Hillary. It is a virus that formats your mobile. Beware, it is very dangerous. They announced it today on BBC radio. Kindly share.
Massive Ransomeware attack… Total 74 countries affected… Please do not open any email which has attachments with tasksche.exe file. Please send this important message to all your computer users.”
The message has appeared in WhatsApp group chats, Facebook posts, and bulk-forwards, spreading panic among users concerned about cybersecurity.
Fact Check
We investigated the claim and found that several Indian authorities have acknowledged the circulation of this message. For example, the Punjab Police and news outlets like the Times of India have issued public advisories. However, cybersecurity experts have confirmed that the viral message is a hoax.
According to cybersecurity expert Ritesh Bhatia, the threat is entirely fabricated. “Hillary cannot dance anymore,” Bhatia joked in an interview with CNBC-TV18. “This malware never existed. It’s a recycled hoax that’s been around since at least 2011. It resurfaced again in 2016–17, and now it’s making a comeback.”
Bhatia pointed out that “tasksche.exe” is actually just a normal Windows system file, not a dangerous virus. Additionally, the referenced file is a Windows system file that cannot be executed on Android or iOS mobile devices, where these warning messages typically circulate, indicating the technical inconsistency of the claim.
While the message vaguely attributes the alleged attack to Pakistani sources, there is no evidence to support this claim. As Bhatia notes, “It could be state-sponsored, or someone could just be doing it for fun.”
We also searched for any reports related to “Dance of the Hillary” on the BBC’s official platforms, including its radio archives and online news database, but found no evidence of such an announcement. No credible global news outlets, such as CNN, Reuters, or the BBC, have reported any malware threat by that name.
Additionally, we checked public virus and malware databases such as VirusTotal, and found no verified reports linking any malicious payloads to files named tasksche.exe. This further reinforces the conclusion that the claim is baseless and not supported by any verifiable source.
Recurring Pattern of Viral Hoaxes
This hoax fits a familiar pattern. Similar viral messages, like the “Martinelli video” and “WhatsApp Gold” hoaxes in 2017–2018, also warned users about non-existent digital threats. Like the current message, they:
- Claimed to be endorsed by a reputable source (e.g., BBC, cybersecurity experts)
- Urged recipients to forward the message widely
- Referenced fake or mischaracterized files
These types of messages exploit users’ fear and urgency, prompting rapid sharing before verification. They’ve become a recurring form of misinformation across private messaging platforms, especially during times of heightened global tension or digital insecurity.
ALSO READ: NO. WhatsApp is not releasing a video to hack your phone
Conclusion
The viral warning about a video called “Dance of the Hillary” and a file named “tasksche.exe” is false. Cybersecurity experts confirm that no such malware exists, and the message is a recycled hoax that has been circulating in various forms for over a decade. Despite being amplified again in 2025, the message contains no credible evidence and should not be forwarded.
Title:Viral Warning About “Dance of Hillary” Video is a Recycled Hoax
Written By: Pranpreeya PResult: False
