WHATSAPP SCAM
Social media programmes like Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp make us feel more associated and for the younger generation, a day without online community has become unbelievably. In a few years, these platforms have gained a lot of prevalence and attracted millions of users worldwide. While the benefits of social media for society are numberless, it has its own drawbacks as well.
The darker side disclose that these platforms are being used by lawless elements to blackmail others for their own benefits. There have been many events of innocent people being blackmailed through Whatsapp and Facebook.
Blackmailing takes place when someone threatens you and requires financial or other forms of benefits. As per the law, blackmailing is a genuine crime and it can have dangerous effects on the person who is being threatened.
If you are being blackmailed by someone, you should always seek help from the law enforcement bodies. Suffering wordlessly would have undesired consequences on your health and mind.
Whatsapp scam Recognition
Some methods to point WhatsApp spam, as well as some suggestions on what ways you should take if you receive such a message.
⦁ Frequently-forwarded messages:
Most WhatsApp users will be enlightened that the app lets you forward messages received from one person directly to another recipient .
Although, users might be less aware that WhatsApp has a separate indicator for frequently-forwarded messages. When a message has been forwarded five times, you’ll see a double arrow icon rather than the single arrow that denotes a typical forwarded message.
⦁ Unrecognized Numbers:
WhatsApp lets you send a message to anyone for whom you have the phone number. Yes, you’ll infrequently get a message from an anonymous number that turns out to be a buddy who’s changed numbers, but most of the time, they will be spam.
⦁ Scams and Suspicious Links:
A huge part of WhatsApp spam has a single purpose—to try and make you open a link in the message. Click on the link at your hazard; it’s going to try and trigger your personal details, banking details, login credentials, or any other form of data that has value on the dark web.
Example: You’ll see a message claiming that your WhatsApp account has expired and you need to pay to reactivate it. Remember, WhatsApp never charges to download the app and will not impose any new charges on your account once you’re up and running.
⦁ Login/Verification Requests:
You cannot use WhatsApp for 2FA verification on any app or service that we’re aware of. If you receive such a message on WhatsApp and you’ve not tried to log in anywhere recently, don’t worry.
⦁ Specific Wording:
Spam often uses the same generic tactics to try and dupe you.Message content includes instructions to forward the message.The content includes a reward or gift from WhatsApp or another person.
⦁ QR code scam work:
The scammers approach sellers listed on OLX, Justdial and other such portals and mention that they want to buy products from them. Then, they send a QR code to the seller on WhatsApp and ask them to scan the code to receive money. However, this is actually a “Collect” request and once the seller scans the QR and enters the PIN, the buyer receives money.
Prevention
⦁ Instead, you must fight back against the blackmailer from day one itself.
⦁ It is advisable to report to the local police if you are a victim of cyber-blackmail.
⦁ But before you reach out to police, contact a lawyer and take proper advice to track down the blackmailer.
⦁ Group spam is a real issue. Whether it’s an over-eager friend or someone who’s got your number or a scammer on the other side of the world, you’ll often find yourself added to groups that you do not want to be a part of.
⦁ Block the account at the first sign of trouble.
⦁ The first thing you need to remember is that when you are receiving money, you do not need to scan any QR code. Scanning of QR code is required only while making a payment.