In the era of digitalisation, scams have become a common occurrence. WhatsApp, being one of the most widely used messaging apps globally, has also become a prime target for fraudsters to carry out their malicious activities.
With the ease of use and convenience that WhatsApp provides, it is essential to be aware of the various scams that can trap unsuspecting users.
Here are some common WhatsApp scams to watch out for:
Phishing Scams: Phishing scams are one of the most common scams that fraudsters use for stealing user data. This scam involves sending fake messages or emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or e-commerce websites. These messages usually include a link that takes users to a fake website where they are prompted to enter their personal information. Once the user enters their data, the scammers can use it to carry out fraudulent activities. To avoid falling prey to phishing scams, it is important to always check the URL of any website that asks for personal information and verify the authenticity of the message sender.
Fake Lottery & Prize Scams: Another common WhatsApp scam is the fake lottery or prize scam. In this scam, the user receives a message informing them that they have won a lottery or a prize from a well-known company. The message usually asks the user to provide their personal information or make a payment to claim the prize. Once the user provides their information or makes the payment, the scammers disappears, and the user never receives the promised prize. To avoid falling victim to this scam, always be wary of unsolicited messages offering prizes, and never provide personal information or make payments to claim them.
WhatsApp Gold Scam: The WhatsApp Gold scam is a hoax that promises users access to an exclusive version of WhatsApp with enhanced features. The scam message often claims that the user has been selected to try out this exclusive version of the popular messaging app, and accordingly provides a download link. However, the link usually leads to a malicious website that can harm the user’s device or steal their data. To avoid falling victim to this scam, never download apps or software from unknown sources, and always verify the authenticity of any message or link that claims to offer an exclusive service.
Says Ritesh Bhatia, V4WEB Cybersecurity, cybercrime investigations, and digital forensics firm: “One should carefully check if messages or links sent on WhatsApp are genuine before clicking on them. To keep your WhatsApp account secure, always lock your WhatsApp with password, have a two-step verification, disable auto download of media or video files, and lastly, don’t accept video calls from unknown people.”
It is essential to be cautious and vigilant while using messaging apps like WhatsApp. Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick unsuspecting users, and it is our responsibility to protect ourselves from such scams. By following the tips mentioned above, we can ensure that we stay safe and secure while using WhatsApp.
