- Reviewing some tricks to detect a scam in WhatsApp chats is always important
- Many of them have certain shared characteristics that you should pay attention to
- What are common scams and how to avoid scammers in messaging apps?
It is enough to closely follow the news or the publications on social networks to know that virtual scams are the order of the day. Unfortunately, despite the fact that there is greater awareness about it, the facts are still active, so reviewing some tricks to detect a scam on WhatsApp is always important.
In principle, we can recommend that you be skeptical of those who ask you to send them money, codes, SMS verification or offer you job opportunities. In almost all cases it is a scam or fraud. You should also not return calls from known assumptions. But the advice does not end thereclear.
Why are there so many WhatsApp scams?
This is a question that you are probably asking yourself, especially since WhatsApp is the most relevant messaging app in the world, far ahead of alternatives such as Telegram or Facebook Messenger, to name two. Recent calculations put its users at over 2 billion worldwide, and while most are probably aware of the obvious forms of scamming, scammers manage to surprise us.
A greater number of users also represents a greater number of victims, and that is something that makes a lot of sense for those who are interested in stealing money or other people’s information. There are more fish in the tank, right?
How to detect a WhatsApp scam?
If we had to stay with something positive, it is that a good part of WhatsApp scams have certain shared characteristics. If we pay attention to them, it is possible to identify them before falling into the trap.
messages from unknown numbers
Unless a scammer has hijacked your friend’s or family’s WhatsApp, scammers will always communicate from an unknown number. Many of these numbers are usually international. Do not forget.
Request urgent action
Scammers like to alarm their victims and make them believe that they have little time to act. Possibly, in an emergency situation, we will be more prone to make a mistake when thinking.
Grammatical or spelling errors
If you have received a message with a grammatical or spelling error, it is an indication that you should be concerned. Paradoxically, if the message is sent by someone with grammatical errors and they don’t, the conclusion is the same. In addition, it must be considered that there are already Artificial Intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT chatbots, that can write as well or better than human beings. Still, do not forget this detail.
Messages offering prizes or gifts
We all like gifts, but if someone offers you prizes or gifts for no reason, you better be suspicious. In most cases, there is no reason for anyone to give you anything and it could be a sign of scam.
The most common scams on WhatsApp
There are various types of common WhatsApp scams, but some of them lead the popularity ranking.
Impersonating a family member or celebrity
Phishing scams are one of the most common scams on WhatsApp. The scammer poses as a family member or friend in these scams, or even a celebrity, and claims that this is their new number.
Complete a survey and get a free gift
It is common for companies to send surveys to their customers to get their feedback and improve thanks to them. But scammers take advantage of this trend to trick WhatsApp users by sending them surveys and claiming that they can earn rewards by completing a survey. It’s all part of a well-planned hoax.
The verification message
Verification message scams aim to gain access to your WhatsApp account. When you sign in to a new device, WhatsApp will send a numeric code to your phone number trying to verify that it is you who is trying to change devices. Ignore it if it’s not really you.
How to avoid scammers on WhatsApp?
By now, you have a good idea of what to expect from scammers on WhatsApp and being vigilant helps. With that said, here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you’re in doubt.
First of all, you should be careful with messages that ask for money. Next, don’t click on any unknown links, much less panic if someone is pressuring you to do something quickly.
In addition, you should trust your security in systems like two-factor authentication, to point out one. You will be able to deter hackers from taking control of your WhatsApp or any other nearby account.
As a general rule, you should avoid anything that seems too good to be true.
What tricks to detect a scam on WhatsApp are the ones you use in your day to day?
