16 Nov 5 Most Common WhatsApp Scams of 2022
WhatsApp has over two billion users, making it one of the world’s most popular instant messaging apps. Given its popularity, it’s no surprise that some are trying to exploit it to try to steal your personal and financial data. Scammers operating through the messaging app contact people through texts or phone calls, often impersonating legitimate entities. They sometimes also demand money with threats of harming a loved one. WhatsApp scams are constantly evolving, making some of them hard to spot. However, there are some ways you can identify the most common red flags. Here they are from pokies online.
Voicemail hacking
Cybercriminals gaining access to a user’s WhatsApp account by breaking into their voicemail box to obtain their verification code is common practice. When you first install WhatsApp, it verifies the account by sending a text method with a six-digit code. A cybercriminal can set up WhatsApp on their own device using stolen account details.
WhatsApp hijacking
Hijacking is a common method of gaining control of an unsuspecting user’s WhatsApp account to commit fraud. Hijacking consists of a cybercriminal obtaining the first user’s phone number. They install WhatsApp on their own device and then contacts the victim stating they are a friend and at the same time requests a verification code for the victim’s account. They message the victim simultaneously, saying the code was sent by accident to obtain the verification code and gain access to the victim’s account.
Impersonation scams
This type of scam usually involves the scammer pretending to be a friend, family member, or acquaintance, contacting a user from an unknown number (although the profile picture may be familiar), and immediately asking for money as a matter of urgency. The fraudster may entice the recipient with photos they’ve found of a friend on social media or may refer to events that the user has posted about on sites like Facebook but not on casinos en ligne.
Malicious links
External links are a simple scam method for fraudsters, enabling mass distribution of a URL that leads to the recipient being directed to a browser to complete a survey promising a freebie. The user completes the survey and parts with sensitive details such as their name, address, email address, and bank details. The fraudster can use these details for identity theft or sell on to third parties.
Compromised apps
Although there are no current unofficial WhatsApp versions on the iOS AppStore or the Android PlayStore, there have been reports in the past confirming malware hidden in apps that were available for download. Once a user downloaded the compromised app, messages were propagated, sending links to the download page to other WhatsApp users to further spread the malware.
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