The WhatsApp scams They are part of a digital way of trying to deceive and steal money or sensitive information from users. In such a popular messaging app, where millions of users share photos, videos and messages 24 hours a day, it is normal that these lies exist. We explore the most common scams through WhatsApp and different methods to avoid them.
From these tips and instructions, you will be able to protect and be alert to the most widespread scam attempts through WhatsApp. Identify apocryphal messages, know what data they will try to steal from you and how they remotely access your mobile. Also the alternatives to avoid attacks and protect your device.
The most widespread virtual scams on WhatsApp
In most cases, there are three major groups of scams that are attempted through WhatsApp. They all have similar objectives: steal your WhatsApp account to get money from family and friends. They can do this through apocryphal calls or with messages requesting the verification code. There are alternatives to try to avoid them, but the first filter to use is common sense. Rarely will a real friend or family member ask us for money through these means. And if we also have two-step authentication, the scam will be even more difficult. But first we must identify how they steal our account.
Apocryphal calls or messages
Every time you know install WhatsApp for the first time on a new phone, or when reinstalling the app, it carries a verification code. This is the most widespread mechanism. The criminal enters the phone number of the WhatsApp account on a new mobile phone. The verification code reaches the user, they call or send a message to try to get the code from them, and thus they steal your WhatsApp account.
This type of WhatsApp scam became very popular during the pandemic. Since people were connected to the Internet for hours and there was a lot of interaction through apps and social networks, the accounts were a very precious loot.
In turn, this phenomenon is accompanied by SIM swapping or duplication of SIM cards. The scammer manages to trick the telephone operator into getting a new SIM in someone else's name. In these cases, the scam is even easier because the verification code goes directly to the scammer.
Voicemail Verification Codes
Another option for scams on WhatsApp consists of send verification code via call when the line is busy. Then, the code goes directly to the answering machine. They access the voicemail of the cloned account and thus gain access to your WhatsApp. This scam is widely used for the theft of information and data, as well as for other deceptions. To a greater extent, they seek to request money from friends and family by pretending to be the person in question. We must be very attentive in daily conversations to avoid personal information and thus identify if we are dealing with a scammer.
In this case, scammers look for the line to be busy. Then WhatsApp will send the verification code to the mailbox and having cloned your line, they also receive it.
Money requests
The final step of any attempt clone or steal your information It's just one: stealing money. If they cloned your number and contacts, they will start asking for money with messages of all kinds. “I need a loan”, “Can you give me 30.000 and I'll pay you back tomorrow?” and others similar. There is also a modality in which they offer the sale of dollars or a supposed impossibility to enter the bank digitally.
How to avoid scams?
Computer security specialists indicate, as measures to avoid scams on WhatsApp, do not share the verification code with anyone. In addition, there are other additional measures that have become essential today. First, permanently configure 2-step verification. This is done from the app's configuration menu.
- If you receive a message from an acquaintance asking you for money, make a call to confirm that it is really from him or her.
- Preferably a video call. This way you can verify the veracity of the order.
- WhatsApp never calls the user on the phone to ask for a password reset or 2-step confirmation.
- When you activate a WhatsApp account on another mobile phone, the system sends an SMS to verify it.
- Do not open or share messages with extremely good offers. In most cases they are links to try to scam the user.
If you have already fallen victim to the scam, start by letting your contacts know and notify the company by email support@whatsapp.com. This way you can help get your account blocked and then restore it once the cloning process is solved. This reduces the possibility of others falling victim to scams.
