With more than two billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has become a favourite target for fraudsters and tactics have become more ingenious and effective than ever. The majority of users are vulnerable when online, making it an irresistible platform for scammers.
Cybersecurity experts from VPN Overview have compiled their top tips on how to recognise WhatsApp scams and how to prevent them. WhatsApp fraud is a scam in which cybercriminals pretend to be a victim’s acquaintance and then ask them for money.
They pose as a friend or family member and ask for financial help because “they urgently have to pay a (high) bill” or “they have an emergency and urgently need some money”. 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. On average victims lose thousands of pounds to WhatsApp scams. Age also seems to be a factor, with most of the victims being 50 or older.
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 that he or she is communicating with a friend or family member who has had to use a different number for some reason.
However, 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, such as the vocabulary an individual may use, or certain events the individual may have posted about online.
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What are the tell-tale signs of WhatsApp scams?
Scammer creates a sense of urgency and pressures you to pay quickly.
Scammer contacts you from an unknown number.
Scammer informs about a number change and quickly talks about money.
Poor English is used in their messages.
Scammer does not want to be called.
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 two-factor authentication on WhatsApp.
Remember that the tips provided above are not only important to protect yourself. If criminals manage to hijack your WhatsApp account, they can easily scam your contacts and possibly take over the accounts of your friends and family as well.
What to do if you've been caught out
If you have been a victim of WhatsApp fraud, it is important to remain calm and report the incident to your bank and the police. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to reverse the payment, but individuals must act quickly.
Wire transfers are harder to recover and online payment services or apps can complicate the process. Even if a refund is not issued, the bank will investigate the fraud claim to protect customers and prevent future fraud.
