Fraud harassing WhatsApp – recently more and more messages are asking for login verification and / or password.
Similarly, with viruses, which are becoming more and more every day , and their only purpose is to steal our login details and private messages. No one probably wants strangers to have access to his private WhatsApp account, especially since it not only threatens to lose all conversations and contacts, but can also lead to intimidation or blackmail.
Learn how to protect yourself from scams and viruses on WhatsApp:
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Scams and viruses on WhatsApp: Absolutely everything you need to know
The scams on WhatsApp were once for the most part innocent, like ordinary chain letters. However, today, WhatsApp scams are becoming more aggressive, scammers want to access your personal data or install malware on your device. Check out our guide to popular WhatsApp scams and viruses and find out what to avoid.
Links with verification code
During the first installation of WhatsApp, a message will be sent with a code that must be entered into the application to verify the phone number. You don’t have to click the link to verify your number. It is also not required to verify the phone number after the first installation of the application!
However, scammers catch the unconscious, urging them to open their activation links, and then hacking their WhatsApp accounts and taking control.
Olivia or an old friend with a new number
In September 2018, police and external websites warned of a new scam by WhatsApp, which they call “Olivia,” in which children are prompted by a series of messages from someone pretending to be a friend with a new number. They are then sent various links to websites with dangerous content or malware installations.
Free Adidas shoes and other “promotions”
A particularly clever phishing scam claiming that Adidas offers 2,500 free pairs of shoes to celebrate the company’s 69th anniversary. The message contains a link that looks authentic – but on closer inspection there is no dot above and on Adidas.
This is a known attack that also occurs in other business variants. After clicking the link you will be directed to a survey with four questions. Finally, the instructions instruct you to share the link to collect the prize, but of course there is no prize. Instead, there is an offer to collect shoes for $ 1, which will actually connect a bank account to a suspicious subscription service that will charge $ 49.99 per month.
Application for changing the phone number
The latest scam by WhatsApp is to send a text message suggesting that you “asked to transfer the number to another device. This change will be made within 24 hours. If you did not make this request, please call 0902 394 1246. “
Calling this number will end with charging a high fee from the caller’s account, because it is a premium number (paid additionally). WhatsApp does not have the option to change the phone number on demand, just install the new application on another phone and use the old number to login.
Free store voucher
This works very much like a scam with free Adidas shoes. The suspicious link will redirect you to the “verification” page, where you must provide your personal details and credit card information to be able to collect your prize. The prize does not exist, but the data we provide will then be used to register a paid subscription service or to withdraw money from the account.
Strange attachments
Strangers may try to send us an attachment that looks like docx or xml documents that are harmless text files. However, this is only to suspend vigilance, these files only pretend to be a secure document. It is better not to download anything from strangers.
Sometimes, scammers go a step further and pretend to be WhatsApp employees who inform about the introduction of a WhatsApp fee (or invitation to the premium version) and send documents containing the new regulations plus a request for payment. Of course, WhatsApp is completely free and the premium paid version does not exist. Don’t be fooled!
Virus sent to an email by a “WhatsApp employee”
Not all attacks have to happen via WhatsApp. Scammers can try to attack by email claiming that you missed the connection in the application or you have too many active chats and to solve the problem / call back, just open the link. But instead, it just ends up downloading the virus to the phone.
We hope that you will be able to protect yourself against some attacks with this list. They are usually of a similar pattern, type send this message to 10 people or click the link to pick something up. The more dangerous ones require providing personal data or sending money. The most important thing is to keep your thinking critical whenever you see the “Win! It would be enough to…”. Protect you against viruses antivirus , but from losing money and only your approach.
