In the last year,
WhatsApp scams
grew exponentially globally.
Job offers
in
exchange for clicks on Instagram, cases of
identity theft
and
account theft
are some of the most common methods, but not the only ones that Argentine users tend to suffer on a daily basis.
With over
2 billion users
, WhatsApp is a hugely popular platform in many parts of the world, which is why the platform becomes even more attractive to these scammers.
A large number of scammers frequent it to deceive people and as a result,
scams
on WhatsApp and cases of
identity theft
and
hacking
are on the rise.
In addition to the fact that the app is being used as
a vehicle for deception
and a bridge to commit crimes on other platforms.
From criminals seeking
bank account
details to scammers
posing as friends
and family and asking users to transfer
money
.
Everything has become quite sophisticated.
Like most frauds, WhatsApp scams involve a process that strives for identity theft of the victims and, on the other hand, that users, unknowingly, end up
sharing confidential information
.
Scammers are primarily interested in collecting personal information so they can impersonate users and access their money.
BTR Consulting
, a firm specialized in technological risk, warns that some of the common techniques involve impersonating “
technical support .”
Also from information leaked by a call center or from the user who sold a used phone on an eCommerce site or social network.
In these cases, the scammers contact them to
verify the security of WhatsApp
as a result of the change of equipment.
What are the most common scams on WhatsApp
WhatsApp Business allows you to create a business profile.
Some cybercriminals directly create fake business profiles on
WhatsApp Business
to trick users.
From there they usually send messages requesting personal information from clients, payments or any other malicious activity.
WhatsApp wrong number scams
As with other types of
phishing or spoofing
campaigns , the ultimate goal of a scammer with a wrong number is
to steal the victim's personal information
.
The scammer "accidentally" calls or texts a number and strikes up a conversation, then uses
social engineering
tactics to persuade you to invest in their business.
Verification deception
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is designed to keep your account secure by requiring a second verification method, often a code sent to your phone or email.
But a common WhatsApp scam involves someone claiming they entered their phone number by mistake and
need the code
that was sent to their phone to log in.
A clear deception to take control of a third party's account.
Identity fraud
Identity theft on WhatsApp.
Scammers pose as family or friends in urgent trouble, asking for financial help.
They can obtain personal information to make their messages more convincing.
Gifts and prizes with QR codes
The Easter scam message on WhatsApp.
Photo WhatsApp
Similar to a gift card scam, there are those that ask you to scan a QR code to receive a prize.
By following the scammer's instructions, you may end up giving them sensitive information that they can use for identity theft or access to your bank account.
Voicemail Hack
Some attackers try to access voice messages to obtain sensitive information.
They take advantage of passwords to do so by hijacking WhatsApp accounts associated with the voicemail feature.
Compromised apps
WhatsApp Plus, the modified version of the Facebook messenger.
Downloading unofficial versions or versions like WhatsApp Plus or Gold often trap their victims with the promise of alternative features.
Once downloaded to the device it can expose users to security risks, including the possibility of data theft and unauthorized access by a cybercriminal.
Harmful links
Screenshots of the message that arrives on WhatsApp where they give away sneakers but it is a scam.
(Segu.info)
Malicious links can lead to fraudulent websites or malware downloads that end up compromising the security of the cell phone.
Cryptocurrency scam on WhatsApp
It's rare, but it can come up in conversation.
A scammer communicates promising a
lucrative investment opportunity
through digital assets.
Once you pay, you'll supposedly receive a great return on your investment.
In most cases there is a ponzi or pyramid scheme behind it.
Complete the survey
Users may receive links that appear to be legitimate surveys on WhatsApp, but they seek to obtain personal information or carry out fraud with the contacts scheduled on the cell phone.
Job offers
The messages that arrive from WhatsApp scammers in the Pig Butchery modality
Some scammers may offer fake jobs in exchange for certain actions (playing videos on YouTube, liking posts on Instagram, among others) requesting personal information or advance payments for fictitious hiring processes.
Extortion video call
Scammers can use this medium to record compromising content and then extort money from the victim in exchange for not disclosing the material.
Tips to detect and prevent scams on WhatsApp
Consulted by
Clarín
, Meta sources clarified that they do not have records of the affected countries or the number of reports of victims for any of the most common scams that usually appear in WhatsApp conversations, nor have they opened any internal investigation to date to find out. with cyber attackers.
Meanwhile, the specialists behind the messaging service recommend a series of
security tips
to protect the privacy of its users:
In principle, anyone who uses WhatsApp on a daily basis should keep in mind that
the app does not proactively request codes or data from users
, therefore
there is no need to share any type of information
.
This involves neither the registration code nor the PIN for
two-step verification
with other people.
To secure chats you must activate two-step verification: Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification.
If you receive messages from a supposedly known person requesting money, they warn, the best way to
confirm the identity
is through
voice contact or video call
.
"WhatsApp does not proactively contact users by phone to request a password reset or two-factor confirmation," they say.
Therefore, anyone who receives a contact that pretends to be "WhatsApp Support" must report it to
support@whatsapp.com
.
WhatsApp: time and profile photo
"Privacy settings in the profile must be active," they maintain.
To do this you have to
choose who can see your profile photo and when you are online
.
This prevents an attacker from taking the user's profile photo to impersonate your identity.
"If you receive an unwanted or suspicious message, you can
block it or report it
, both messages and accounts," they emphasize.
Another security measure is related to WhatsApp, but corresponds to a cell phone service: voicemail.
"We recommend that
you keep a PIN updated
through your telephone operator, or deactivate the service if you do not use it," they say.
Check by WhatsApp where to vote in the STEP.
Image: Capture.
Finally, users must
verify that official accounts have a green check mark
certifying their veracity.
This badge is located next to the name on the right.
"If you receive a message from a WhatsApp account that looks official, but does not have this badge, ignore it," they conclude.
SL