WhatsApp has become an indispensable communication tool for over 2 billion people worldwide. Unfortunately, the popularity of WhatsApp also makes it a target for scammers. With more people using WhatsApp daily, scams on the platform have been increasing.
Scammers use clever psychological tricks and technological exploits to try and steal your money or personal information. They often disguise themselves as friends, family members, businesses, or credible organizations. Knowing the common signs of WhatsApp scams can help you identify and avoid them.
What are the most common WhatsApp scams?
Here are some of the most prevalent scams circulated on WhatsApp:
- Verification code scams: Scammers try to verify your phone number on WhatsApp using your verification code.
- Technical support scams: Scammers pretend to be WhatsApp technical support to trick you into giving them remote access or personal information.
- Fake account scams: Scammers use a fake WhatsApp account often impersonating someone you know to ask you for money or favors.
- Fake investment scams: Scammers promote fake cryptocurrency or stock opportunities to try and steal your money.
- Fake gift or prize scams: Scammers pretend you’ve won a prize or gift to trick you into paying fees.
- Malware links: Scammers send malware-laden links to infect your device and steal your data.
How can you identify WhatsApp scams?
Here are some key ways to determine if a message you receive on WhatsApp might be a scam attempt:
They ask for sensitive personal information
Scammers may try to gather personal details like your credit card number, login credentials, address, ID number, etc. Never share sensitive information with an unsolicited contact.
They request you to share a verification code
A common scam is when a contact claims they mistakenly sent you a six-digit WhatsApp verification code. The scammer is trying to verify your number on a new device. Do not share any code you receive with anyone.
They offer investment opportunities that seem too good to be true
Beware of any investment opportunities sent to you promising unusually high returns with little or no risk. This is likely a fake investment scam.
They ask you to pay a fee first to receive a prize or gift
Scammers may claim you’ve won a prize but first need to pay fees, taxes, or processing costs. Real contests never require you to pay money upfront to receive winnings.
They pressure you to act quickly and urgently
Scammers want to rush you into making a decision before you have time to think. Be wary of any contact insisting you act immediately or risk missing out.
They ask you to pay in unusual ways
Scammers may ask you to pay in unusual ways like gift cards, cryptocurrency, money transfers, etc. Avoid unusual payment methods with people you don’t know.
You don’t recognize the number contacting you
An unrecognized number messaging you out of the blue should raise suspicions. Scammers often use unknown numbers.
The message seems impersonal and generic
Scam messages often seem generic or impersonal, while also trying to create a false sense of urgency or excitement. Personal contacts will directly address you.
There are spelling and grammatical errors
Messages from scammers trying to operate outside their native language often contain spelling and grammar mistakes. Legitimate businesses put care into professional correspondence.
They ask you to click on a suspicious link
Scammers try to get you to click malware links to steal your data and compromise your device. Never click links from an untrusted source.
Examples of common WhatsApp scams
Here are some examples of popular scam formats on WhatsApp:
Verification code scam
You receive a message from an unknown number:
“Hi, sorry I entered the wrong number. Can you send me the 6-digit verification code you received?”
This is a scam trying to activate your number on a new device. Do not send any codes.
Fake technical support scam
You receive a message from an unknown number:
“Dear user, we are the WhatsApp technical team. Your account has been hacked. Please contact us immediately at [suspicious link] to resolve this issue and avoid suspension.”
This is a scam. WhatsApp does not contact users via WhatsApp. Do not click any links or call.
Fake gift scam
You receive a message from an unknown number:
“Congratulations! You’ve been selected to receive a free iPhone 13. Please click here [suspicious link] to claim your prize.”
This is a scam survey or contest designed to steal your information or money. Do not click the link.
Fake investment scam
You receive a message from an unknown number:
“I want to inform you of an urgent bitcoin investment opportunity with guaranteed returns of 40% in less than 2 hours. Deposit quickly before it expires!”
This is a fake investment scam. Never send money for promised investment gains.
How to protect yourself from WhatsApp scams
Here are some tips to protect yourself and avoid scams on WhatsApp:
Be wary of any unusual or suspicious messages
Use caution with messages asking for personal information, money, or urgent action. Take time to assess any irregularities.
Verify the sender’s identity
If you receive an odd message from a known contact, call them to confirm they sent it. Scammers often use lookalike numbers.
Turn on two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account and prevents unauthorized logins.
Be cautious with links and attachments
Do not click links or download attachments if you have any doubts about the sender’s identity. This could put your data at risk.
Avoid logging in on public networks
Public networks are easier for scammers to intercept data on. Avoid accessing your WhatsApp account on public Wi-Fi.
Report suspicious messages
Notify your contacts if you detect an impersonation attempt. Report problematic numbers to WhatsApp directly.
Protect your verification code
Never share your six-digit WhatsApp verification code with anyone, no matter what reason they give.
Install reputable antivirus software
Good antivirus software helps protect your devices from malicious links, attachments, and malware infections.
Make your privacy settings more restrictive
Review your WhatsApp privacy settings and limit who can see your profile photo, status, etc. This protects your identity.
Educate yourself on the latest scams
Keep up to date on new WhatsApp and online scam tactics so you can identify red flags more easily.
What to do if you are scammed on WhatsApp
If you shared sensitive information or suffered financial losses due to a WhatsApp scam, take these steps:
- Contact your bank if scammed to block payments or reverse transactions if possible.
- Report the scam contact to WhatsApp and block them.
- Change key account passwords compromised by the scam.
- Alert your contacts you were impersonated to prevent further spread.
- File a complaint with the FTC if you lost money: www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Inform local law enforcement if you have details on the scammer that could help investigations.
Conclusion
WhatsApp scams are growing more sophisticated and widespread. However, being aware of common techniques and tactics used by scammers can help you detect and avoid the majority of threats.
Protect yourself by being cautious with unknown senders, suspicious messages that create urgency or excitement, and requests for sensitive data or payments. Report any scam attempts and advise your contacts accordingly to keep your WhatsApp network security tight.
Stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to validate requests before acting. With proper precautions, you can communicate freely and securely on WhatsApp.