#Whatsapp scams how to#

How to protect yourself from WhatsApp scams?

Scams that suggest you are the recipient of a voucher of some description – often a nationwide supermarket chainĪll these scams have the same end goal in mind! Either to directly solicit funds from you or to gain access to your device or credentials to allow further malicious activity to take place.

An invitation to a special version of WhatsApp, WhatsApp Gold, which is purportedly used by celebrities.

Requests for payments for import duties for an overseas courier parcel.

The request usually invokes some sort of time pressure, which can further impact victims’ ability to step back and use better judgement. Victims are then convinced to carry out the required task (transfer cash or purchase gift cards, often sending pictures of the activation codes). The story they tell varies but claims often include the inability to access internet banking (due to a new phone) or the inability to visit a store that sells gift cards – thus justifying the need for urgent help. However, in targeted attempts, actual names and roles will be used so the scam can appear very convincing. In some instances, generic terms like ‘Mum’, ‘Dad’, ‘Sis’ or ‘Bro’ will be used. Or, in more sophisticated attempts, the criminal will have researched and impersonated the name of the person they claim to be. This can start with a message from an unknown number, seeming to be someone you know, who claims they have just lost their phone and got a replacement. One of the most common scenarios we see is the urgent favour. Whereas on WhatsApp, they more commonly pose as someone the victim knows well enough to exchange regular messages with, like a friend, family member, colleague or trusted business.

Pretend to be a friend, family member or colleague and request money or gift cards, from vendors such as Apple or GoogleĮmail phishing can be tricky to identify, as the cyber criminal poses as a corporation or unfamiliar person.

#Whatsapp scams install#

Install malicious software on your phone that collects information that can be used in identity theft or lock you out of your phone.Persuade you to share personal details, such as your name and address.In most instances the perpetrator will attempt one of the following: But this gives us more of an opportunity to spot them! WhatsApp scams may feel more of a violation than email scams, as they’re targeting victims via a trusted platform used daily. There are a few ways you can avoid becoming a victim of WhatsApp scams and we’re here to share them! How do WhatsApp scams work? However, this personal and invasive method of cyber crime can be avoided. In fact, we’ve experienced over 2000% more WhatsApp scams over the last 12 months than ever before, according to Lloyds Bank research, with the average victim losing around £1,950. Whilst significant emphasis has been placed on awareness and training to identify threats via email, with over two billion users, WhatsApp is an attractive channel for cyber-criminals to pursue as users’ guards are more likely to be down.

Don’t be fooled! WhatsApp is quickly becoming a fruitful hunting ground for cyber-criminals.

Many assume that popular apps of this kind are perfectly safe. It seems that an increasing number of people are being targeted by WhatsApp scams.