With over 2 billion accounts globally and over 75 million US users, WhatsApp is a sizable social media network.
Due to the platform’s enormous scale and global reach, WhatsApp scams are unfortunately widespread, just as on other social media platforms.
US individuals alone lost $800 million to social media scams last year, and as of 2024, criminal actors are still using WhatsApp to locate new victims.
A list of frauds discovered on the platform in 2024 has been put together, along with images of WhatsApp scams. In addition, the following duplicity is listed on this page and frequently updated with the most recent scams:
Scams On WhatsApp In 2024:
Although there are many photographs of WhatsApp scams on the internet, scammers frequently vary the structure of their messages.
Therefore, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the many kinds of scams you can run into on WhatsApp and the usual tricks bad actors employ.
Scams on WhatsApp are frequently distributed in bulk and aim to make the sender feel urgent.
It can be a relative in urgent need of money or a representative of a famous person begging you to support their latest campaign. Scammers typically want to accomplish one of three things:
- First, rob you of your cash or cryptocurrency.
- Second, obtain the data that identifies you personally.
- Third, install viruses on your computer.
You can stay secure and avoid being taken advantage of by scammers prowling around on WhatsApp by learning the common reasons for WhatsApp scams.
Voicemail Hacking:
Cybercriminals frequently hack into the victim’s voicemail system to access their WhatsApp account.
You receive a six-digit code for account verification when you first install WhatsApp. After that, Whatsapp can be installed on a scammer’s device to steal account information.
Because the criminal has contact names, display photos, and other information, it is frequently simple for them to re-fraud contacts.
Therefore, they chose the option stating they have yet to receive a verification code via phone for the Whatsapp text messaging option.
Because the WhatsApp scammers are aware that the victim would also receive a call from WhatsApp simultaneously, the call is put on hold and then transferred to voicemail.
However, the voicemail is still in the victim’s inbox, and unfortunately for the hackers, the individual does not alter the pin that protects the inbox, which is often 0000 or 2222.
Instead, the hacker acquires the WhatsApp verification code and takes over the account.
False Identity Scams:
In impersonation frauds, the fraudster poses as the target friend, family, or acquaintance.
Scammers call users from unknown numbers and mention that the profile photo may look familiar before asking for money promptly since they have an emergency.
Fraudsters can use different ways to hack WhatsApp. The fraudster can use images of a friend they’ve discovered on social media accounts or refer to activities the victim has posted about on social media platforms like Facebook.
Hacked applications:
Even though there aren’t any unofficial WhatsApp versions accessible right now on the Android Play Store, there have been tales of malware concealed in previously downloaded apps.
When a user downloads the malicious program, WhatsApp messages spread and start providing links to the download page to other users, thereby extending the malware.
Negative Links:
External links, which allow for the mass distribution of links that take people to the browser to complete a survey offering a freebie, is another straightforward scam technique used by con artists.
The target fills out the study and offers confidential data, including name, address, bank details, and email ID.
Later, the con artist provides you with these particulars so that they can try to steal something or sell it to someone else.
Summary:
As technology is used more frequently, WhatsApp scams are more likely to occur.
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