WhatsApp Scams are Increasing: Wrong Number Scam

 

WhatsApp Scams

WhatsApp Scams are Increasing

According to an analysis by Lloyds Bank, WhatsApp scams have increased by more than 2,000% in the last 12 months.

In the most common WhatsApp scams, con artists want to get your money in the easiest way possible. 

To do this, they try to befriend you and eventually will start a scheme to con you into making an investment in their business, or they charge you for services that are already free.

The alternative is that they will trick you into installing malware onto your phone or computer to gain personal information about you, so they can steal your money with your credentials.

Always be skeptical when strangers contact you on your smartphone. WhatsApp scams are increasing because they are stealing a lot of money from unsuspecting people.

WhatsApp Wrong Number Scam

In the past month, I have received the 'Wrong Number Scam' from two different numbers. They both use the same script. They greet someone, and if you respond, they say that it is a business account, and their secretary entered the wrong number by accident. If you seem friendly, they ask if you want to be friends. They want to know your name, where you live, and if you like to make investments. Eventually, they ask you if you want to invest in their makeup or cosmetic business.

Both times, the scams were very similar, and I believe they are using the same scam script.

Tip to Prevent WhatsApp Fraud:

1. Never give out your 6-digit WhatsApp PIN code. It doesn't matter who they are pretending to be. If the fraudster gains control of your WhatsApp account, they can message your contacts, and very likely ask them for money.

2. Do not download alternative versions of WhatsApp, such as "WhatsApp Gold" - a fraudulent version, that is purportedly used by celebrities and rich people. This is malware and first surfaced in 2020 during the pandemic.

The fraud message typically reads: "Hey Finally Secret WhatsApp gold version has leaked, This version is used only by big celebrities. Now we can use it too. "

Then a link will appear to download WhatsApp Gold.

3. If you receive what appears to be grocery store vouchers via WhatsApp, this is a scam. No legitimate stores send vouchers with WhatsApp.

Always use two-step or two-factor authentication to protect your WhatsApp account.

Sources:

Binns, Katie. "Top WhatsApp scams to avoid in 2022." The Money Edit. 11 April 2022.

Note: This is the first draft of a story that I published on Medium. You can read the full article here.