In this digital age, communication has become faster and more convenient, thanks to instant messaging applications like WhatsApp. However, with the rise in technology, there has also been a surge in cyber attacks and online scams and frauds. One such alarming trend is the use of WhatsApp for extortion. WhatsApp scams are prevalent these days among all kinds of people in society. In this blog, we will explore the tactics used by fraudsters and discuss essential steps to protect yourself from falling victim to WhatsApp scams.
The Rise of WhatsApp Scams
WhatsApp is now a popular platform for communication, connecting people across the globe. Criminals have recognized its potential as an easy tool for deceit and extortion because the majority of mobile phone users use WhatsApp. Fraudsters exploit the app’s features, such as end-to-end encryption and anonymity, to carry out their malicious activities.
Have you heard about the latest trick scammers are using on WhatsApp? It is quite sneaky! These fraudsters are now making WhatsApp calls from international numbers and luring people into working part-time for some quick and easy money. It is important to stay informed and be cautious to protect ourselves against such Whatsapp scams.
Guess what? These Whatsapp scammers are getting craftier by the day! They are now making sneaky WhatsApp calls using international numbers, but here is the twist: they are not really international calls. They use numbers from places like Morocco (+212), South Africa (+27), Ethiopia (+251), Malaysia (+60), Indonesia (+62), Kenya (+254), and Vietnam (+84). It is quite clever how they are playing with different country codes to trick unsuspecting victims. Stay on high alert and be wary of any suspicious calls from these numbers! Many innocent Whatsapp users have already fallen into these Whatsapp scams due to misleading advertisements for earning easy money by doing small tasks.
What is their Modus Operandi?
It is crucial for everyone to stay vigilant and be aware of these blatant WhatsApp scams. Let me walk you through the typical approach used in WhatsApp scams:
- These scammers do not give up easily. They will contact you persistently, sometimes two or three times a day, or even on alternate days.
- If you happen to answer or decide to return their call, they will pretend to be an HR representative and dangle a part-time job opportunity in front of you. They even message you on WhatsApp with the same details (as shown below).
These jobs usually involve tasks like advertising brands, writing reviews, or subscribing to and liking YouTube videos. The amount WhatsApp scammers promise would be so crazy that anyone would want to give it a try.
- These scammers might even send you a small amount of money as a reward for completing the initial tasks to build trust. This clever tactic makes you believe that they are not frauds. To gain your trust, they may send you an invoice showing the money transfer. However, this is just the beginning of their scam.
- As you fall deeper into their trap, WhatsApp scammers demand you to download a particular app and convince you to invest the money you just earned through their tasks into these apps.
- They will create an illusion that your money is growing rapidly, luring you to invest even more funds. The promise of increasing returns acts as an incentive to keep you hooked.
- The bitter truth is that once you have invested a considerable proportion of your money, they will immediately restrict you from withdrawing any amount.
- Additionally, there is another scam known as “sextortion” that has gained attention. In this variation, the caller shows explicit visuals, capturing a screenshot of you seemingly watching objectionable content.
- The scammer then exploits these visuals to extort money from you, using them as leverage for their demands.
Stay cautious, do not share personal information or download suspicious apps, and report any such incidents to the appropriate authorities. This type of WhatsApp scam is similar to cryptocurrency scams that target investors who want to double or triple their money overnight.
Tactics Employed by Fraudsters
- Impersonation: Fraudsters often impersonate someone familiar or in authority, such as a family member, friend, or even a law enforcement officer. They may use stolen pictures and personal information to gain your trust.
- Social Engineering: WhatsApp scammers are skilled at manipulating victims emotionally. They create urgent scenarios, such as a family member being in trouble or your account being compromised, to instigate fear or panic.
- Phishing Attacks: Fraudsters may send phishing links disguised as legitimate websites or official organizations, tricking you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card details.
- Ransom Threats: Extortionists may threaten to leak personal information, intimate photos, or sensitive data if their demands are not met. They leverage fear and embarrassment to manipulate victims into compliance.
Protecting Yourself from WhatsApp Scams
Verify the senders’ identity: Always be skeptical when anyone contacts you claiming to be a friend or authority figure. Verify their identity through a different channel, such as a phone call or face-to-face conversation.
Ask for the job description and offer via official email: Protect yourself against WhatsApp scams by asking Whatsapp scammers to communicate via the official email address where they claim to work.
Be cautious of shared information: Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information with unknown individuals or on unverified websites. Legitimate organizations will not ask for confidential information via messaging apps.
Use two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on your WhatsApp account for an additional layer of security to avoid WhatsApp scams. This ensures that unauthorized access is restricted even if your password is compromised.
Do not succumb to pressure: Fraudsters often use urgency and fear of losing some great opportunity to trick you into making wrong decisions. Before taking any action, analyze the situation wisely, and seek advice from someone whom you trust.
Report suspicious activities: If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to WhatsApp and your local law enforcement agency. By reporting such incidents, you contribute to the collective effort of combating these crimes.
WhatsApp Recommendation
WhatsApp has taken notice of these types of WhatsApp scams and has issued a statement urging users to be cautious and take action against them. They recommend blocking the numbers and reporting any suspicious WhatsApp messages or calls.
According to WhatsApp’s statement, blocking and reporting these suspicious accounts is a crucial step in combating scams. If you receive calls from unfamiliar international or domestic numbers, WhatsApp offers a convenient feature to block and report such accounts. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of utilizing their available privacy controls to manage who can see your personal details and online presence.
Wrapping Up
While WhatsApp has undoubtedly revolutionized communication, it has also provided an avenue for criminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals. By familiarizing yourself with the tactics employed by fraudsters and adopting preventive measures, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to online WhatsApp scams. Stay vigilant, be cautious, and remember that your security and well-being should always take precedence in the digital realm.