WhatsApp scams are constantly evolving, and some are difficult to identify. However, certain methods can identify the most common red flags. Read on for information on WhatsApp scams and how to avoid them.
What is WhatsApp Scam?
Although WhatsApp’s encryption is end-to-end, it doesn’t completely protect users from being hacked. Furthermore, users are at risk of other scams besides hackers breaching their encryption. For example, cybercriminals can utilize WhatsApp to send messages that deceive people into publicizing financial or personal information, such as a password or Social Security number. They can also trick you into clicking a malicious link by impersonating a friend and creating a message that looks like a notification from a legitimate company. Rascals could also emulate you and take out credit cards or borrow money.
How to spot Whatsapp scams
Because fraudsters are getting more clever, it’s easier to notice new scams if you are aware of specific signs. In addition, learning which clues to look for can reduce the chances of getting scammed. For example, most scams involving WhatsApp messages involve texts that read something like this:
- Ask you to take immediate action. Fraudulent texts are often alarming; they state that your accounts are suspended or the government will prosecute you.
- Grammar and stylistic mistakes. Text messages from legitimate companies (like banks) will not have spelling errors. If you receive a text that has mistakes and prompts you to take action on a personal account or follow a link, it’s likely fraudulent.
- No one knows them. Do a quick Google search to confirm that the number the message was sent from is the same person they claim to be. You may discover that the number is separate from the organization or agency that the text claims.
- You’ve been randomly selected to receive a prize. Some WhatsApp spam messages claim you’ve won in a draw you didn’t participate in. They request that you divulge personal information to claim your prize or to click a link for additional information.
- Avoid unfamiliar links. Spammers can utilize links to compromise your device or lead you to a fraudulent website that steals information. Be cautious of links you don’t recognize or that take you to websites you don’t frequent. Some links may appear similar, but if you closely examine them, you might notice that some letters or numbers are missing or extra.
- They are typically sent from a long phone number, which is unusual. Receiving an unsolicited offer from a number 11 digits long is likely Whatsapp fraud. Marketing texts are typically sent from six-digit phone numbers, also known as six-digit codes or SMS short codes.
Types of Scams on WhatsApp
Many scammers on WhatsApp have similar intentions and objectives. Scammers want to obtain your personal information for fraudulent purposes, install malware on your device that could hold it hostage, or attempt to extort money from you by pretending to be someone they’re not.
1. Romance Scammer WhatsApp (WhatsApp Scams Dating)
Romance scams are particularly prevalent in online dating platforms like Tinder or eHarmony. However, once paired with someone through these dating services, the schemer might convince you to move the conversation to WhatsApp. The criminal attempts to connect with you emotionally, sometimes professing their undying love and how they would leave their current situation to be with you. Then, they request money with the justification of needing financial assistance, therefore it is very important to avoid Whatsapp scams dating.
2. Whatsapp account access phishing
Scammers utilize the WhatsApp feature, which allows them to use the same account on multiple devices. A six-digit code unique to that device is required to activate another machine. Scammers utilize various methods to get this code from the victim. The primary method of WhatsApp phishing is to befriend you, gain your trust, and then ask you for the code, claiming that it was sent to you by mistake.
3. WhatsApp pretexting scam
This is a sub-specimen of the former one. This Whatsapp attack begins when the victim receives two messages simultaneously. One of the messages is an apology from an alleged acquaintance or relative who mistakenly sent a verification number to the victim’s account instead of their own. They’ll continue to request the 6-digit number the victim just received. Only individuals will receive a verification code via WhatsApp if they’re creating a new account or attempting to access their account on a different device. In this Whatsapp attack scenario, the scammer tries to access a victim’s account and needs the verification code to complete the deception. If you receive a 6-digit verification code that is entirely unexpected, you may be the intended recipient of a scam.
4. WhatsApp Business account scams
WhatsApp Business accounts can only be messaged by end-to-end encrypted means. These accounts are only accessible by businesses that use the WhatsApp Business app or handle and store customers’ messages themselves. When messaging a business through WhatsApp, users’ messages will be delivered securely to the intended recipient. When a hacker takes control of your WhatsApp account, they can view your messages and contact list. Hackers reportedly access accounts via automated phone services that forward calls to a different number; they can also bypass online security by forwarding voice OTP verification codes to a different phone number.
5. Tinder WhatsApp scam
The Tinder account verification scam involves a match presenting you with a fake bot that asks you to verify your account through a specific link. The bot provides the link to make it seem like a legitimate request from Tinder, which it isn’t. The link takes you to a site outside Tinder that requests private information, like your full name, WhatsApp scam email address, birth date, and credit card number. These sites don’t contain Tinder codes; instead, they ask for suspicious data. To access these services, users need to provide their personal information. This includes their credit card number and subscription information to adult websites. Some users report that subscriptions to these websites can cost up to $120/month, which is extremely difficult to cancel. Have you ever run into a Tinder scam WhatsApp?
7. WhatsApp job scams
To increase the appeal, the scam WhatsApp message includes information about the daily salary. You have been selected for the interview; your wage will be 800/day. Some notes will have a different number. However, the method of operation remains the same. Sometimes, the link takes you to a fraudulent website that collects your information. Frequently, it’s a legitimate individual on the other end, though they will request personal information or demand a fee via UPI. In this instance, adding ‘wa. me’ before a phone number on your web browser will direct you to a WhatsApp chat. As a result, scammers on the other end will likely request additional information, which you should avoid at all costs. Have you ever run into scam WhatsApp messages?
8. WhatsApp crypto scams
Cryptocurrency scams are prevalent and involve con artists who pretend to be financial experts that offer too good to be real opportunities. They may also counsel you to transfer your existing funds from a legitimate crypto exchange to a fraudulent one they control.
How to Avoid Harm on WhatsApp Hacker Attacks
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA). Two-factor authentication benefits any online account, not just your WhatsApp account. This setup ensures a secondary layer of security when logging into apps. Before accessing WhatsApp, a one-time code is sent to your email, phone, or an authentication app.
- Make a call for confirmation. If the individual who sent you the message said that the number had been disconnected or their phone was broken, contact the number they provided. If you can’t communicate with them via phone, attempt to contact them directly on social media to verify before sending any money.
- Do not respond to messages requesting money. This advice is common for all WhatsApp hacker attacks, not just WhatsApp scams. Trust your instincts and analyze the text and language. Is the individual requesting money speaking differently than they usually would? If the request for money is legitimate, they would likely communicate through other means, not just WhatsApp.
- Report the incident and scam to WhatsApp. Be aware of the importance of reporting any unusual activity and WhatsApp fraud. They can attempt to eradicate these fraudulent accounts and prevent other users from being victimized by similar scams on WhatsApp. To write down a number on WhatsApp:
- Launch the chat with the user you want to report.
- Click the contact name.
- Click Report Contact.
- After that, click Report And Block.
