Beware! You Should Be Aware Of This New WhatsApp Call Scam

The more advanced the technology is, the greater the chance of getting scammed or cheated. Fraudsters always plan a devious tactic to trap the victims. And very recently, a WhatsApp call scam has emerged as a cause for concern. This scam involves a fraudulent method where the attackers attempt to trick users into confessing their private information or installing malware on their devices by posing as legitimate entities.

The method usually involves a victim receiving an unexpected WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The simplicity of this scam and the call’s apparent legitimacy are what make it especially sneaky. The con artist on the other end may pose as a representative of a reputable business, tech support provider, or even a government organization when you answer. They might fabricate a story, saying there’s an urgent problem with the user’s account that needs to be fixed.

How to detect a WhatsApp call scam

Mechanisms of the Scam

Social media and dating apps have evolved to be commonly used for meeting people. They are, however, frequently used by fraudulent individuals who steal other people’s identity to scam victims and ask them for money, which is sent under false pretenses.

Below are 10 Types of WhatsApp Scams That Are Active Right Now.

• Mom and Dad impersonation schemes.
• Friend or loved one in need requests.
• Unauthorized verification codes.
• WhatsApp Gold.
• Bogus gift cards and surveys.
• Lottery scams.
• Crypto romance scams.
• QR code scams.

WhatsApp isn’t the only platform targeted by scammers. Discover other popular scams in our blog Common Phone Scams to learn about fraudulent tactics on phone calls, texts, and other communication channels. From impersonation schemes to fake lottery calls, staying informed is your first line of defense against these threats.

Red Flags to Identify a Scam

• Verification codes and scams

Unsolicited authentication codes mostly come through text messages that claim to be from the most reputable firms such as Google, Microsoft, or WhatsApp. Such messages are followed by another message mostly through WhatsApp from an impersonator who masquerades as a known contact. 

The fraudster creates an urgent situation stating that the code was sent to the wrong number and asks for it to sort out the situation. The request may sound authentic, but sharing such codes can provide unauthorized access to personal accounts, which might result in security breaches. 

Thus, it is essential to be cautious and never share authentication codes with unverified sources.

• Scams That Impersonate “Hi Mom!”

Scammers often impersonate children or family members in distress, sending messages like, “Hi Mom, I’m using a new number,” and urgently requesting money to pay a bill. 

These imposters craft convincing stories, take time to build credibility, and use vague responses to seem authentic. Victims may unknowingly transfer money, only realizing the scam after it’s too late.

These fraudsters can simultaneously target other family members or acquaintances. It is advisable to educate loved ones on such scams and encourage openness. 

Always cross-check any urgent request from an unknown number using other channels before taking action.

• Charity Fraud: “A Donation of $5 Will Suffice”

Supporting a cause or charity is a commendable act, but scammers often exploit such goodwill, especially during challenging times. These fraudsters use emotional appeals, convincing imagery, and persuasive language to encourage donations to what appears to be a “good cause.”

Many scammers pose as charitable organizations or claim to assist victims of natural disasters or illnesses. 

In some cases, they impersonate well-known charities to gain credibility. Unfortunately, the donations collected are never used for the intended purpose. 

To avoid falling victim, it is crucial to verify the legitimacy of any charity before making a contribution.

How to avoid falling for WhatsApp scams

Understanding the telltale warning signs of common WhatsApp scams is the first step to being more able to keep safe on the messaging app. Here are some additional strategies to keep you safe from becoming a victim of a WhatsApp scam.

• Confirm the sender.

Consider contacting the person directly through a different platform or phone call if someone posing as a friend or relative sends a suspicious message. Verifying the authenticity of their story can often be straightforward. 

Additionally, asking a private or specific question that only a genuine close contact would know can help confirm their identity.  However, it is important to remember that scammers may conduct thorough research, making even seemingly personal questions, such as a middle name, insufficient for verification. 

Always approach such situations cautiously and seek alternative methods to confirm the sender’s legitimacy.

• Disregard messages requesting payment.

This guidance is relevant to scams across all platforms, not just WhatsApp. Carefully examine the language used in any message and trust your instincts. If the person requesting money is using unusual phrasing or behavior that seems out of character, it could be a red flag. 

Genuine individuals will likely use multiple methods of communication to reach out, rather than relying solely on one platform like WhatsApp. Always prioritize verification before taking any action, especially when financial transactions are involved.

Stopping scam calls and messages begins with recognizing red flags and knowing how to respond. For detailed guidance on blocking unwanted calls and avoiding scams across platforms, read our blog How to Stop Scam Calls for practical tips and actionable strategies to safeguard yourself.

How to proceed if you’ve fallen victim to a WhatsApp scam

Even the most cautious individuals can fall victim to scams due to the sophisticated tactics employed by con artists. However, deleting WhatsApp or starting over is not necessary. With increased awareness, the chances of encountering similar scams again are significantly reduced.

Here are essential steps to take:

• Report the scammer to WhatsApp.
• Alert contacts about any suspicious messages sent from your account, especially if malicious links were clicked or files were downloaded.
• Strengthen cybersecurity measures by creating strong passwords, using a password manager, enabling two-factor authentication, and activating a VPN with threat protection to prevent accessing harmful websites.

Conclusion

The recent rise of a new WhatsApp call scam serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing risks associated with using technology ever changing risks. This particular scam shows how crucial it is for users to remain vigilant and aware at all times by taking advantage of their comfort level and sense of trust in WhatsApp. Cybercriminals’ strategies are always evolving along with technology, so it is critical for people to stay aware and take preventative measures to protect their personal data. 

In order to trick users and instill a sense of urgency, the scam depends on the immediacy and apparent legitimacy of a voice call. Users must develop a skeptical mindset even when communication seems to be from a reliable source because the use of well-known company names or government agencies increases the scam’s credibility.