WhatsApp is one of those platforms that hackers use to launch scams and steal money. After all, it is something that many people use and therefore they may have a good opportunity to scam. We are going to talk to you about a strategy that is increasing a lot lately. We are going to tell you how they can use the new WhatsApp trick to steal money from you and what you should do to protect yourself and not have problems of this type.
These types of strategies can affect people of all types. At least anyone can receive a similar fake message. The best defense will always be common sense and not making mistakes that allow a hacker to take control of our data or steal money.
New WhatsApp scam
The scam is very simple. It basically consists of receiving a message from, supposedly, a family member or friend. Be careful because it can look quite real. They could have spied on you for a while, such as through social networks, and thus know more about you, who your contacts are, etc.
In that message, which always impersonates someone close to you, they will indicate that they have had to change their number and that this is their new WhatsApp. That might make sense and we might believe it to be true. But this is going to be coupled with some urgency. For example, they could say that their phone, wallet or whatever has been stolen and that they need to make an urgent payment to buy a train ticket, bus ticket or anything.
The family member or friend, thinking that it really is a legitimate message, may fall into the trap and send you money. You can request the money through Bizum, but also through platforms such as PayPal. Logically, that money is going to go into the hands of hackers, who are orchestrating all this deception.
They use, as you see, artificial intelligence. They may gain the victim’s trust little by little. Chances are they won’t ask for money right away. They may even want to obtain certain data as well, something they could use in the future to launch a phishing attack.
Protect yourself
So what can you do to protect yourself and not fall into the trap? The main thing is that you don’t make mistakes. Do you doubt if that person is really your mother, your child or any friend who is in trouble and needs the money? Make a call. As easy as that. Call them, even on WhatsApp at that number, and check that the person speaking is legitimate.
However, what you should never do is make a payment of this type without having 100% guarantees that it is something real. Be careful with any message that reaches you through this medium, use the new number strategy or any other. Do not click on links that may be fraudulent, do not give personal information, or make payments.
Beyond that, it is always good to have your devices properly protected. Install a good antivirus, something that will help you detect malicious files that can be used against you. We also recommend keeping everything updated and correcting vulnerabilities that could be used against you.
In short, if you receive a message telling you that it is a new number, be careful because it could be a trap. Receiving fake links through WhatsApp is quite common and can lead to the theft of money or personal data. Common sense is the best defense in these cases.
