How to Avoid These 6 Common WhatsApp Scams Before It’s Too Late

WhatsApp scams have become increasingly sophisticated, preying on the trust and familiarity people have with the platform.

Recently, people lost huge amounts of money, like a software engineer in Chennai, South India, who was scammed out of 1 crore via a fake trading platform on aWhatsApp groupin May 2024.

Scammers use tactics such as impersonating trusted contacts, offering fake job opportunities, and creating urgency to trick victims. Their goal is to steal personal data, access financial information, and infect devices with malware. They make it hard for victims to recognize the scam until it’s too late. Being aware of these scams is the first step to staying safe.

Let’s look at the 6 common WhatsApp scams and how to avoid them.

Common WhatsApp Scams:

Scammers target everyone on WhatsApp, from everyday users to high-level executives. According to a study by Consumer Affairs, over 47% of WhatsApp users have been targeted by scam messages. In 2023, WhatsApp banned over47 lakh Indian accountsto stop harmful activities and protect users.

Lottery and Giveaway Scams

You get a message claiming you've won a gift card from your recent purchase. You need to click the link to get the card. The message seems legit but closer inspection shows that it has a minor change in the business name.

Avoid opening or clicking the link in such messages. It can lead to fake websites where scammers steal your personal information or payment details in seconds, and demand a ransom.

Fake Job Offers (passive income)

You receive a WhatsApp message about a high-paying work opportunity that requires minimal effort. It is simple like completing a few basic tasks online. The offer may seem tempting, and the company might even look legitimate.

However, it’s probably a scam and you may be asked to pay an upfront "registration" or "processing" fee. They might also request personal info under the pretense of verifying your identity.

These fake job offers are designed to steal your money and personal information. Once you've sent the money or shared your details, scammers can steal your info and bank details. Always verify job offers directly through official channels, and never pay for a job opportunity.

Tech Support Scam

Even the smartest executives can fall to support scams during a busy workday. Scammers send a personalized WhatsApp message from a known third-party app or vendor, and state that the software needs an update. The message urges you to contact tech support immediately by clicking a link or calling a number. Scammers may even claim they can fix the problem if you give them remote access to your device or pay for special software.

This scam is designed to trick you into handing over control of your device or paying for non-existent services. Once scammers access your device, they can steal sensitive data or install malware and demand a ransom. Always verify with the official tech company before following instructions or providing access to your device.

Crypto Scams

If you’re investing in crypto, or have signed up with multiple crypto platforms, you may get a WhatsApp message offering a guaranteed profit from crypto investments, urging you to act fast. Scammers use fake success stories or impersonate well-known influencers or companies to appear trustworthy. They’ll ask you to send money to a wallet for investment or click on a link to "sign up" for the platform.

Once you send the money or share your crypto wallet details, scammers can steal your funds or use fake crypto platforms to siphon off more money over time.

Always research any investment opportunity thoroughly and avoid clicking on unknown links. Check for reviews, verify company details, and be cautious of unsolicited messages promising guaranteed returns.

Wrong Number Scam

This might seem like a casual conversation but leads to scams. Scammers pretend to send a WhatsApp message by mistake and try to engage with you. If you reply, they build a rapport and share fake stories about needing urgent help or offer a business deal. They try to get you to send money or share personal details.

Never engage with unknown contacts over WhatsApp. If someone sends a message and asks for requests, block and report the number. Verify their identity if the conversation feels suspicious.

Family & Friends Scam

Scammers pose as someone close to you – like a family member or a friend. They send a WhatsApp message saying they've lost their phone, are in an emergency, or need urgent help. They manipulate you into sending money and sharing sensitive details.

Ensure to verify the identity of the person before taking any action. Call your family member or friend directly to confirm their situation. If you're unsure, ask them a personal question only the real person would know.

How to spot and avoid WhatsApp scams

Before you respond to any message, slow down, and verify if it’s legit. Scammers use generative AI and GPT to create convincing fake messages that look real. They might imitate a trusted company, a family member, or even a professional, making it harder to spot a scam at first glance.

Here’s how you can avoid scams:

Look for small mistakes in the message like slight name changes or unusual links.

Don’t click on any links or share personal information until you’re certain it’s genuine.

Always contact the person or company directly through a verified source if you’re unsure.

If you’ve identified a scam message on WhatsApp, report it and block the contact. WhatsApp will review the last few messages to take action. Additionally, you can use Forfend to scan suspicious messages in real-time and prevent scams across devices. Forfend is an AI-powered security system that helps safeguard your data from phishing, malware, and other cyber risks. It provides advanced protection against evolving scams.