Beware! You Should Be Aware Of This New WhatsApp Call Scam

The more advanced the technology is, the greater the chance of getting scammed or cheated. Fraudsters always plan a devious tactic to trap the victims. And very recently, a WhatsApp call scam has emerged as a cause for concern. This scam involves a fraudulent method where the attackers attempt to trick users into confessing their private information or installing malware on their devices by posing as legitimate entities.

The method usually involves a victim receiving an unexpected WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The simplicity of this scam and the call’s apparent legitimacy are what make it especially sneaky. The con artist on the other end may pose as a representative of a reputable business, tech support provider, or even a government organization when you answer. They might fabricate a story, saying there’s an urgent problem with the user’s account that needs to be fixed.

How to detect a WhatsApp call scam

Mechanisms of the Scam

People these days follow the trend of hooking up using social media platforms and dating apps. However, instead of finding their soulmates for life, they get a lifetime shock from ghost mates. Fraudsters disguise themselves on such apps to cheat people and ask for money.

Below are 10 Types of WhatsApp Scams That Are Active Right Now.

• Mom and Dad impersonation schemes.
• Friend or loved one in need requests.
• Unauthorized verification codes.
• WhatsApp Gold.
• Bogus gift cards and surveys.
• Lottery scams.
• Crypto romance scams.
• QR code scams.

Red Flags to Identify a Scam

Verification codes and scams

Your phone “beeps” to indicate that you have received an unsolicited authentication code through text message from what appears to be Google, Microsoft, or even WhatsApp. The second “beep” that indicates you have a WhatsApp message from a contact coming in may be ignored. Although the story is strange, it seems urgent—they truly need the code you previously received. It appears that you received it by error.

Scams that impersonate “Hi Mom!”

If your child messages you asking for a money transfer to pay an urgent bill, as a parent, you might not think twice about it, even if the message is from an unknown number. Perhaps the message says, “Hi Mom, I’m attempting to contact you using my recent phone number.”   

In this con, the impostor will go above and beyond, gladly taking their time to establish credibility and using broad responses that could apply to almost anyone. You transfer money that you will never see again before you even realize it.

The same con artist may also be targeting other members of your family and other acquaintances. Tell them about this, then, and don’t be afraid to tell them.

Charity fraud: “A donation of $5 will suffice.”

It is a noble thing to do, when we can, to support a cause or charity. However, con artists are likely to exploit well-meaning people during difficult times. With no sense of shame, con artists will utilize a wide range of images and language to persuade you to give money to “a good cause.”

Oftentimes, con artists prey on people’s emotions by posing as charitable organizations or helping victims of illness or natural disasters. In certain instances, they might even pretend to be a reputable charity to win people over. The donations, however, never make it to the intended beneficiaries.

How to avoid falling for WhatsApp scams

Understanding the telltale warning signs of common WhatsApp scams is the first step to being more able to keep safe on the messaging app. Here are some additional strategies to keep you safe from becoming a victim of a WhatsApp scam.

Confirm the sender.

Try calling the real person or contacting them via a different platform if a scammer poses as a friend or relative. It shouldn’t be challenging for you to verify their WhatsApp story.

You may also pose a private or delicate query to the sender, of which only a close friend or relative would be aware. Remember that con artists are capable of doing extensive research. Even something as basic as requesting their middle name might not be sufficient.

Disregard messages requesting payment.

This advice applies to scams in general, not just those on WhatsApp.

Analyze the language used in the messages and follow your gut. Does the person requesting money seem to be speaking in a different way than usual? If the person making the request is genuine and is who they claim to be, they will probably get in touch with you via more channels than WhatsApp.

How to proceed if you’ve fallen victim to a WhatsApp scam

Even the most resilient people can become victims of scams because con artists are cunning. Removing WhatsApp and starting again is not necessary. With your newfound awareness, it is unlikely to occur again.

Ideally, you ought to:

• Inform WhatsApp about the con artist.

• Notify your contacts on WhatsApp about any potentially suspicious messages coming from your account if you downloaded any files or clicked any links.

• Maintain your cybersecurity safeguards. To avoid visiting websites that host malicious content, create strong passwords, get a password manager, use two-factor authentication, and turn on VPN’s Threat Protection.

Conclusion

The recent rise of a new WhatsApp call scam serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing risks associated with using technology—ever-changing risks. This particular scam shows how crucial it is for users to remain vigilant and aware at all times by taking advantage of their comfort level and sense of trust in WhatsApp. Cybercriminals’ strategies are always evolving along with technology, so it is critical for people to stay aware and take preventative measures to protect their personal data. 

In order to trick users and instill a sense of urgency, the scam depends on the immediacy and apparent legitimacy of a voice call. Users must develop a skeptical mindset even when communication seems to be from a reliable source because the use of well-known company names or government agencies increases the scam’s credibility.