Fromfake tech supporttoFacebook Marketplace, scammers are trying to deceive unsuspecting users everywhere.
And WhatsApp Messenger hasn’t remained unscathed.
So here are some tips to help you identify a scammer and some common scams on WhatsApp.
Jason Montoya / How-To Geek
Why Are There So Many WhatsApp Scams?
WhatsApp is the biggest messenger app in the world, way ahead of WeChat, Facebook Messenger, andTelegram.
Unfortunately, these unsuspecting users are juicy targets for scammers.
Many of these numbers are often international.
Asking for an Urgent Action
Scammers like to alarm their victims.
In a state of panic, the victims cannot think clearly and are more likely to make mistakes.
Legitimate companies don’t typically make such mistakes as all their customer-bound communication is checked and double-checked.
Therefore consider any unanticipated windfall or giveaway you haven’t participated in a scam.
Related:WhatsApp Not Working?
Impersonating a Family Member
Impersonation scams are one of the most common scams on WhatsApp.
The scammerpretends to be a family member or friendin these scams and claims they have changed their original number.
Scammers will refuse to accept a call and make some excuse.
These scammers will try and rush you to send them money because of some made-up urgency.
Verification Message Trick
Verification message scams are aimed at gaining access to your WhatsApp account.
Afterward, they can change the phone number, leaving you completely locked out.
Job Offers and Investment Opportunities
This is an unusual one.
Scammers even pay small amounts for a couple of initial tasks.
Once the scammers get the investment from a victim, they disappear.
This will help you ensure that you are transferring money to someone you know rather than a fraudster.
These links can help scammers install malware on your machine.
Instead, think about the situation and then act.
Or you could reach out to someone in your friend circle or family who is better informed than you.
Of course,it’s not foolproof, but it goes a long way to keeping your account safe.
We have a nifty guide to help youset up two-factor authentication on WhatsApp.
Avoid Too-Good-to-Be-True Schemes
Too-good-to-be-true or get-rich-quickly schemes are the fastest ways to lose your hard-earned money.
If you receive such a missed call, it’s best to ignore it.
To report orblock a scammer’s number, go to WhatsApp’s “Calls” tab.
Then navigate to the number and tap on the icon with “i” next to it.
Related:Beware These 7 Facebook Scams
