The latest scam hitting the headlines is one that could catch many people out via the popular messaging app, WhatsApp.
This type of scam is one of many on the app, and is now simply known as ‘WhatsApp fraud.’ It is a form of fraud in which cybercriminals pretend to be a victim’s acquaintance or family member and ask them for money.
Most of the cases of this kind see criminals posing as a friend or family member and asking for financial help because “they urgently have to pay a big bill” or “they have an emergency and urgently need some money”.
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Usually, the perpetrators pretend to be in a hurry, most likely to entice their victims to take immediate action.
That is why this type of fraud is also referred to as a friend or family emergency scam.
Sadly, on average victims across the globe lose thousands each to WhatsApp scams and most of the victims are over 50 years old.
In most cases, the phone number used by the criminal to commit WhatsApp fraud is unknown to the victim, yet the attached profile picture is familiar.
Consequently, the victim thinks he or she is communicating with a friend or family member.
However, the issue is that criminals can easily copy a photo from other social media platforms, such as Facebook or Instagram.
The same applies to other information that can be used to mislead the victim. Like the vocabulary an individual uses, or certain events the individual may have posted about online (“Should’ve asked you for help when we were in that bar yesterday…”).
Cybersecurity experts from VPN Overview have compiled their top tips on how to recognise WhatsApp scams and how to prevent them.
What are the tell-tale signs of WhatsApp scams?
- The scammer creates a sense of urgency and pressures you to pay quickly.
- The scammer contacts you from an unknown number.
- The scammer informs about a number change and quickly talks about money.
- Poor English is used in their messages.
- The scammer does not want to be called.
- The scammer asks for money to be transferred to an unknown account or uses an app that hides account numbers.
Tips to prevent WhatsApp fraud
- Check if the number is correct if someone asks for money.
- Check the language and communication style of the message.
- Call the number or contact the person in a different way to verify the story.
- Do not let the fraudster pressure you; think logically.
- Ask the scammer a question only your friend or acquaintance would know the answer to if suspicious.
- Secure voicemail with a personal code.
- Never send a verification code without questioning.
- Set up "2-Factor Authentication" on WhatsApp.
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