Key Highlights
- Be cautious of unsolicited messages or calls offering unrealistic deals or rewards.
- Protect your WhatsApp account by enabling two-step verification to add an additional layer of security and prevent unauthorized access.
- Make sure your WhatsApp app is always up to date, and keep an eye on your phone bills to ensure you have the latest security fixes. If you notice anything unusual or unexpected charges, report them right away.
ith over two billion members worldwide, WhatsApp undoubtedly facilitates meaningful connections. Though it offers a simple and convenient way to stay connected with loved ones, there exists a downside—scammers looking to deceive trusting users.
What is the scam?
Scammers initiate their fraudulent activities by sending enticing messages, using various communication channels like text messages, voice calls, or WhatsApp groups, and offering attractive deals or promising rewards. They exploit users' desire for cost-effective communication by presenting tempting offers such as free international calls or discounted rates. Once users show interest, scammers send activation codes disguised as verification codes or links, tricking users into entering them into WhatsApp. These codes grant scammers unauthorized access to users' WhatsApp accounts, enabling them to make unauthorized international calls, often to premium rate numbers that charge high fees per minute. Users typically discover these unauthorized calls only when they receive their phone bill, leading to surprise and financial loss.
To protect yourself from scams on WhatsApp, it is important to maintain a skeptical mindset and exercise caution when receiving unsolicited messages or calls with too-good-to-be-true offers.
- Verify the authenticity of any offers before taking action.
- Enable two-step verification feature provided by WhatsApp to add an extra layer of security to your account and keep your WhatsApp application updated.
- To address fake random calls received on WhatsApp, utilize the block and report feature. Open WhatsApp, select any chat, tap the three-dotted icon located on the top right corner of the screen, choose 'more,' and then select the block option. You also have the option to report and block the caller using the same menu.
- Avoid answering or engaging with any unexpected calls on WhatsApp. Even if you decide to pick up the call, refrain from purchasing any products or services offered by the caller. It's important to be cautious as there are scams, such as part-time job offers, circulating on the messaging platform with the intent to deceive people.
- Exercise caution and refrain from clicking on any messages or links sent by unknown callers as they may contain malware aimed at stealing your data or money. It's crucial to be aware that hackers or scammers might employ tactics to deceive you into taking actions that could lead to financial loss.
To address this issue at large, at GetSetUp this October, we have put together an exclusive series focusing on Cyber Security, where we will cover all types of cyber frauds, how we can protect ourselves, and how to report in case we were to fall victim to one.
P.S: If you or someone you know has faced cyber fraud, report it to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (Helpline Number -1930 (working 24x7).
