Scams on Whatsapp: How to Recognize and Avoid Them
Remember the days of phone scams or those perpetrated through intercoms? Those were the days when scammers spent entire days observing potential victims, often identifying elderly people as easy targets. Once the victim was identified, a call was made, altering the voice to sound like a child or close relative urgently needing money. But as technology has evolved, scams have also evolved. Now, WhatsApp has become the new breeding ground for scammers 2.0.
Whatsapp and False Child Number: How It Works
The beginning of a WhatsApp scam is often an emergency message, seemingly from a son or daughter in need. The scammer may report a change of phone number, claiming they've had an accident and nearly destroyed their previous phone. If you receive a message like this, it's time to raise alarm bells. After all, the SIM card can easily be inserted into another device, so a change of number should raise suspicions.
Updating the Address Book: The Danger Sign
The scammer may ask you to update your contact list with the new number. This is the second red flag. Updating your number may seem innocent, but it can provide the scammer with more information and the opportunity to refine their scam over time. In many cases, the scam will begin immediately after you've shown gullibility by responding to the initial message. This is when the scammer will trigger a further emergency, asking for a loan or urgent payment.
Instant Bank Transfer Requests: An Unmistakable Signal
The third and most obvious warning sign is a request for an instant bank transfer. This type of transaction is irreversible: once the transfer is made, you can't cancel it. It's crucial at times like these to avoid blindly trusting chat messages, no matter how authentic they may seem. A WhatsApp video call could provide the necessary confirmation to unmask the scammer, who will then likely move on to the next victim.
Case Study: An Emptied Account and a Lesson Learned
Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes these signs. A mother, unaccustomed to using technology, fell victim to this scam, as her son explained in a viral Twitter post. She received an urgent request for a bank transfer and, without thinking too much, sent the scammer almost €5,000. The sum, not being a "round" amount, seemed realistic, causing her to lower her guard.
Conclusion: How to Protect Yourself from WhatsApp Scams
Awareness is the first step to protecting yourself from scams. Pay close attention to warning signs and don't blindly trust unverified messages or calls. And above all, if you find yourself in a similar situation, take the time to verify the caller's identity through other channels, such as a video or voice call, before making any financial decisions.
Educating ourselves and others can significantly help combat these sophisticated scams, ensuring that fewer people fall victim to such malicious schemes.
