WhatsApp Scams You Should Be Wary Of

The more popular an app becomes, the more fraudsters it attracts. Unfortunately, that has been the predicament of Meta-owned instant messaging and VoIP service WhatsApp.
With active users exceeding 2 billion each month, it is the irrefutable leader among the most-used messaging platforms in the world. But its popularity comes at a cost—the app has been attracting numerous scammers and cybercriminals of late.
WhatsApp’s parent, Meta, has been under severe pressure to address growing security concerns. But as a user, you also have a responsibility to mind your safety. In this article, we explore the most prevalent WhatsApp scams and what you can do to protect yourself against them.

Common WhatsApp Scams

Fraudulent activities on WhatsApp are surprisingly diverse and deceptive. However, the most widespread ones can be identified and avoided when you know the typical warning signs.

Account Hijacking

Sometimes, malicious actors could download WhatsApp and attempt to log into your account. When this happens, the app generates and sends a verification code to you. Scammers would then message you apologizing for sending the code by mistake and ask you to share it with them. If you do, they will quickly take over your account and block you.

Criminals could also impersonate the WhatsApp Support team in account hijacking fraud. They may message you saying they have detected suspicious activities and ask you to verify your ID by clicking a link and entering a passcode you received separately. The result is as expected—you will suddenly find you are locked out of your account with no way to get back in.

But what can scammers do by taking over your account? It allows them to impersonate you and carry out various other frauds under your identity. They may even target your friends and family for scams.

So, take note if you receive an unexpected verification code from WhatsApp. Do not share it with anyone, even if you are contacted by a number belonging to a loved one. Remember, with social engineering techniques, anyone can mimic phone numbers today. And if you don’t recognize the sender, use PhoneHistory to identify the number’s owner and report them to WhatsApp.

Phishing Scams

Phishing on WhatsApp can occur in a variety of ways. The most common is via message links. Scammers, for instance, could send mass messages asking users to click a link to win a reward. Once you do, you will be taken to an online form to fill in your details. It will ask for various personal information aimed at stealing your identity.

This is a widely used trick to carry out identity theft and a range of other scams. Therefore, ignore unsolicited messages, especially when they carry links.

Impersonation Fraud

According to TSB, this type of fraud has risen 300% on WhatsApp within the space of a year, making it one of the most trending swindles to watch out for.
Scammers can impersonate any number of people known to you, from your family members and friends to coworkers and neighbors. But they typically have only one intention—to deceive you into sending them money.

The “Hi Mum” scam, for instance, has cost unsuspecting users thousands of dollars. It involves fraudsters posing as your son or daughter and messaging you from an unfamiliar number, saying they have lost their phone. These swindlers could tell you they are in trouble and urge you to wire money to an account.

If you receive such a message from a loved one, it is important to call them on their regular number to verify the content. Also, watch out for red flags such as unusual behaviors and a difference in the voice.

Voicemail Hacking

This is an account-hijacking threat that relies on hacking-related techniques.
It starts with a cybercriminal attempting to log in to WhatsApp using your phone number. When the app sends the verification code, they choose the option that says the code was not received. It triggers a call to your number from the messaging platform. Knowing this, the hacker calls you immediately to ensure the call from WhatsApp goes into your voicemail. Then they hack into your voicemail to access the verification code and take over your WhatsApp account.

How can you avoid these elaborate threats? The most effective way is to protect your inbox with a strong password. Avoid easily guessable ones, such as 1234 and 2222, or reusing the same password for several accounts. Also, keep your voicemail login credentials secure without sharing them with others.

Investment Scams

Messages promoting fake investment opportunities are also common on WhatsApp. These can, for example, offer cryptocurrency investments designed to steal money.
If you come across similar messages, avoid responding to them. Be cautious, even when they are forwarded or recommended by a friend. Never transfer money or cryptocurrency without investigating further.

Malicious Imposter Apps

When an app becomes popular, it will naturally spawn plenty of imposters.
WhatsApp Gold, which made headlines a few years ago, is a good example. It was promoted via mass messages disguised as a promotional communication from the original platform. Claiming to have already onboarded celebrities, it offered exclusive access to a premium version of WhatsApp.

The messages promised a range of additional features and provided a link for existing users to download the hoax app. Mistaking it for a genuine update, many individuals fell victim. The app reportedly downloaded malware, stole user data, and tracked user activities, compromising their identity, privacy, and personal safety.

Similar incidents have been reported even before WhatsApp Gold, with imposters and unofficial versions such as WhatsApp Plus doing the rounds. To avoid such scams and ensure your data safety, it is important to check WhatsApp’s official channels before clicking on links or downloading apps promoted via unsolicited messages.

Final Thoughts

Whatever the type of scam you encounter on WhatsApp, remember not to engage in conversations with unknown platform users. Never entertain their requests, divulge identifiable or sensitive information, or send money either. Avoiding links and downloads is also essential.
In case you encounter fraud, block the number, take records of the communications, and share them with WhatsApp. Also, inform the Federal Trade Commission to help them investigate and alert the public. In addition, do your part in raising awareness by sharing details about the incident with friends and family.