WhatsApp has emerged as one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms, with billions of users worldwide. Its ease of use and rapid communication capabilities have made it an indispensable part of modern life. However, also becomes a fertile ground for scammers and fraudsters seeking to exploit unsuspecting users. To protect yourself from WhatsApp scams, it is essential to remain vigilant, verify sources, and educate yourself about the various forms these scams can take. By taking proactive steps to safeguard personal information and financial assets, users can continue to enjoy the benefits of digital communication without falling prey to the deceitful tactics of online scammers.
Always remember scammers are dirty scum, low-life people who have no shame. They have one purpose to steal your money. If you do not know the telephone number where the WhatsApp message has come from block the telephone number or delete the message. Never click on the WhatsApp link or send money to anyone you do not know.
Latest WhatsApp Scams To Watch Out For
The following are some of the popular WhatsApp scams run by criminal scum who will try and steal your money
1. Loved one in need scams
It’s human nature to help a loved one in need, and scammers take full advantage of that. In this type of scam, a WhatsApp scammer pretends to be a close family member or friend with a new phone number. The scammer proceeds to use social engineering techniques, often asking for money to help with an emergency situation.
How to stop loved one in need scams
- Be wary of calls or texts from unknown numbers, and never send money to a person without confirming their identity first as scammers will try everything possible to get hold of your money
- Contact the person directly over a phone call to 100% confirm this is a genuine request for money from a loved one via WhatsApp
2: Gift card scams
Scammers also use WhatsApp for gift card scams. In this scam, the victim receives a text message claiming to be from a legitimate company, with a link to claim a supposedly free gift card. In reality, the link leads to a malicious website. Clicking the link can install malware on your device. Or you might be asked for personal information to “claim” your gift card — in reality, you are handing over sensitive information to a scammer.
How to stop gift card scams
- Never click a link from an unknown number, and be suspicious of any type of free gift card, giveaway, or other prize from out of the blue.
- Don’t enter personal details on any third-party website.
- If you do not know the number or the company the offer has come from block the number of just delete the WhatsApp message.
3: QR code scams
Similar to a gift card scam, in QR code scams, scammers use WhatsApp to send a QR code, asking you to scan the code to receive a prize. But, by following the scammer’s instructions, you may end up giving them sensitive information that they can use for identity theft or to access your bank account to steal all your money.
How to stop QR code scams
- Don’t click links or scan unrequested codes from an unknown number.
- Never share personal details on a third-party website.
- If you do not know where the QR has come from do not click on the link
4: Unauthorized verification code scams
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is designed to keep your account safe by requiring a second verification method — often a code sent to your phone or email. But a common WhatsApp scam involves someone claiming that they entered your phone number by mistake and need the code that has been sent to your phone to log in to their own account.
How to stop unauthorized verification code scams:
- Never share a 2FA verification code with a third party.
- If you receive an unexpected account verification message delete the message and block the number
5: Lottery and giveaway scams
Lottery and giveaway scams are popular on WhatsApp and other social media platforms In this scam, you receive a message claiming you’ve won a lottery or giveaway. Usually, the scammer also sends a link, asking you to open it to “claim” your prize.
How to stop lottery and giveaway scams
- If you receive a message letting you know that you have won the lottery or free prize giveaway delete the message and block the number
- Never click on the links included in the message or the scammer will steal your money and personal information
6. Romance scams
Catfishing is a classic social media scam that often takes place via WhatsApp after you meet a romantic interest on another app. The scammer builds up a romantic relationship with you over a matter of weeks, or even months, gaining your trust before asking for money or convincing you to share sensitive personal information.
How to stop romance scams:
- If some contacts you out of the blue looking for a romantic relationship. Block the number and delete the message
- Be wary about anyone asking you for money or personal information.
- Be skeptical of a romantic interest that refuses to meet in person or show their face in a video call
Call forwarding scams
A call-forwarding scam starts with an unsolicited phone call. The scammer convinces you to call a number that, will forward you to another phone number the scammer controls. While you’re engaged in the call with the new number, the attacker tries to sign into your WhatsApp account, selecting the option to send a one-time password via phone call, which is then forwarded.
How to stop call forwarding scams:
- Be suspicious of any unsolicited phone calls from telephone numbers you do not know.
- Don’t call numbers premium rate telephone numbers included in a whats app message
- If you suspect someone has hacked or is trying to hack your WhatsApp account, change your PIN and login settings immediately.
Wrong number scams
Just like with other types of phishing, a scammer’s end goal with a wrong number scam is to steal your personal information. The scammer “accidentally” calls or texts your number and strikes up a conversation, then uses social engineering tactics to persuade you to invest in their business.
How to stop wrong number scams:
- Block texts and calls from telephone numbers you do not know.
- Never call the telephone number of call the telephone number included in the WhatsApp ap