Why Everyone Is Talking About WhatsApp Scam Right Now

What are WhatsApp scams?

WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption provides a relatively secure messaging service and can avoid hackers from reading your conversations. However, WhatsApp users are still at peril for various types of scams.

Some types of WhatsApp scams consist of cybercriminals sending messages that hoax people into sharing personal or financial information, like your password, credit card number, or Social Security number. They may also get you to tap on a malicious link by imitating a friend or creating a notification that resembles one from a legit company. These links can be malicious by infecting your device with a virus or other malware to access your data.

Once scammers steal your information, they can access your email, banking, or social media accounts. They may also snatch your identity and apply for credit cards or loans in your name.

Why do scammers use WhatsApp?

Scammers are opportunists who will cast as wide a net as possible in the hopes of catching someone. They can reach out to far more possible targets by taking advantage of the fact that WhatsApp is the world’s most well-known messaging app than they could using another tool.

There’s a high chance that a scammer’s targets will have WhatsApp. It is easy for the criminal to manage their crimes if all their victims are located on one app.

Types of scams on WhatsApp

Many WhatsApp scammers will have similar motivations and aims. Scammers want to snatch your personal information for identity fraud purposes, download malware to possibly hold your device ransom, or just try to force money out of you by acting as someone they aren’t.

The main types of WhatsApp scams include:

Family emergency scams

Family emergency scams, or impersonation scams, occur when someone contacts the prey pretending to be a relative. To persuade victims, the scammer might say that their phone broke and that they’re using a replacement or a friend’s phone.

The impostor then demands money to solve an emergency. For example, the person might say that their purse was stolen and they require cash urgently.

Kidnapping scams

In this form of scam, fraudsters contact you and claim they’ve kidnapped a relative or friend. They then try to coax you into paying a ransom with threats of violence. The fraud might seem realistic if the criminals accessed the suspected victim’s information (like their name or favorite hangout spots) through social media.

Account takeover scams

Account takeover scams consist of receiving a message saying one of your online accounts needs immediate attention. These messages typically state your account was locked due to suspicious activities or that it might be suspended due to outdated billing information.

When you call the number or tap a link provided in the text, the thief will request for your private information or account details. The person could acquire your social media accounts and begin contacting your friends for money.

Government impersonator scams

A fraudster mimics a government employee or sends a message that looks like it’s from an official agency, like the Social Security Administration or Internal Revenue Service. The person then demands you to pay a fine or debt to avert legal action. They might even learn some of your personal details, like your name or address.
Note that government agencies won’t ever reach you by text, call, or email, much less leave you a voicemail.

Giveaway scams

The victim receives a text message stating that they’ve won a giveaway. They’re then mandated to reply with personal details or to follow a link to claim their prize.

It’s easy to spot these cons if the award notification is for a giveaway you didn’t enter or if you’re asked for some kind of payment. Reach the brand directly through their website or social media to double-check if you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a sweepstakes.

Cryptocurrency scams

Cryptocurrency scams are trending and involve scammers pretending to be finance experts who present too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities. They might also advise you to shift your existing investment funds from an authorized crypto exchange to a fraudulent one they control.

Online romance scams

Romance scams are especially prevalent on online dating sites like Tinder or eHarmony. However, once you get matched with someone by these dating services, the hoaxer might cajole you to move the conversation over to WhatsApp.

In WhatsApp, the criminal tries to connect with you emotionally, sometimes confessing their undying love and how they’re willing to leave their current life behind to be with you. Then, they start demanding money with the excuse of needing financial help.

How to protect yourself from WhatsApp scammers

Knowledge is power with a lot of online scams. You’re already starting on the right foot just by being aware of some of the most common scams. Once you learn the indicative signs of a scam in progress, it’ll be much harder to ploy you. Here are a few ways in which you can protect yourself from falling victim to a WhatsApp scam.

• Ignore messages asking for money. This tip is a general rule for all scams, not just WhatsApp frauds. Trust your instincts and study the texts and language used. Is the person demanding money talking differently than they usually do? If the request for money is valid, they would likely reach out through other means, not just WhatsApp.
• Set up two-factor authentication. By taking advantage of this security measure, you can make it more difficult for scammers and hackers trying to steal your WhatsApp identity.
• Time-limit messages. Scammers will want your money as soon as possible. The more urgent the message and demand, then probably it is a scam.
• Question the scammer. If you’re unsure the sender is authorized, ask them a personal or sensitive question that only the true sender would know. Be wise that scammers can conduct thorough research. A simple request for their middle name may not be sufficient.

What should you do if you’ve been scammed

So you’ve been the unfortunate victim of a WhatsApp scam. Don’t worry—it happens to the very best of us; you don’t have to uninstall WhatsApp and restart. Luckily, once bitten, twice shy. It’s unlikely to happen again now that you know what to look for.

Changing all of your passwords and bolstering your cybersecurity should be your next step. Invest in a password manager, make the most of two-factor authentication, and use a VPN to protect your online privacy.

It pays to be Wary on WhatsApp

Scammers can reach billions of people around the world using apps like WhatsApp. For example, a recent data leak exposed nearly 500 million WhatsApp phone numbers from 84 countries. Bad actors may create online personas or hijack existing accounts using stolen data to recruit “friends” to con more victims.

Initially harmless friend requests can lead to the inevitable request for money; WhatsApp accounts for 9% of all contact methods in such scams.

Whether it’s a WhatsApp scammer impersonating your son or a message about a gift card or giveaway, always proceed with caution when receiving messages from unknown numbers.