10 common WhatsApp scams and how to avoid them

WhatsApp is the most widely used social messaging platform at present. It has over two billion monthly active users worldwide. What makes it so popular is that it is free to use and is available on various platforms, such as Android phones, iPhones, Windows laptop, and the web version. Apart from texting, WhatsApp allows users to make voice calls, video calls, create group chats, share files, and more.

Unfortunately, because of its huge user base, scammers also use the platform to carry out a variety of scams such as impersonation, phishing, and so on, against gullible victims. In this listicle, we will take a look at a few common kinds of scams on WhatsApp and practical tips on how to avoid them.

Common WhatsApp scams and tips to avoid them

Here’s a quick look at a few different kinds of scams people usually fall prey to on WhatsApp, and ways to avoid the same.

1. Phishing scams

Phishing is one of the most common scams on WhatsApp. In these, a user receives a message containing a link that looks like it is from a reliable source such as a bank, government agency, or even WhatsApp. Tapping on the link will lead the user to a website that resembles the official website of the same name looks like an official website where they are asked to enter sensitive information like login credentials, credit card details, or banking details. Once the victim provides this information, scammers capture it and use it for fraudulent activities.  

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To avoid this scam, double-check the authenticity of the sender, check for misspellings in the message, never click on any links for an unknown sender, and never share sensitive information with unknown contacts.

2. Fake investment scheme groups

Fraudsters create WhatsApp groups posing as representatives of a big company. They add hundreds of random contacts and promise easy, high-paying opportunities. Fake group members (“shills”) act as satisfied customers, endorsing the scheme. This social proof lures victims into investing, ultimately leading to financial losses. Whether it’s on WhatsApp or elsewhere on the internet, you should never trust “get rich quick” schemes. Such groups should be immediately exited and reported.

3. Fake lottery and prize scams

A WhatsApp user may receive a message saying he has won a lottery and he/she needs to pay some amount to receive the prize. Apart from this, scammers may trick users into providing sensitive information or downloading malware. Legitimate lotteries or contests will not ask you to pay to receive your prize. Hence, if you spot such a message, do not respond to it. If you are unsure about the message, you can check whether it is coming from official channels.

4. Romance scams

Someone you met on a dating app may message you to build a relationship with you over time while chatting on WhatsApp. Later, they may ask you for financial assistance, citing an emergency or any issue that sounds genuine.  

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Out of emotion, you could end up losing money to this scam. To ensure you don’t fall for such a scam, be cautious with online relationships and wary of financial requests. It would be worthwhile to spend time doing a reverse image search to learn more about the person you are in contact with.

5. Family or friends in emergency scams

If you are a parent, you may receive a WhatsApp message from your kid asking you to send some money for an urgent crisis, such as an accident, arrest, or the loss of their phone. To avoid falling prey to such a scam, always verify the request through another means of communication or contact someone trusted to confirm the situation before doing the money transfer.

6. Charity scams 

Scammers exploit emotions by impersonating charitable organisations or fabricating urgent scenarios, such as someone needing urgent surgery and asking for an immediate transfer of money. To avoid falling victim to these deceitful tactics, it is crucial to verify the legitimacy of charitable requests and donate directly through recognised channels. This ensures contributions reach genuine causes while thwarting fraudulent schemes. 

7. Courier packages scams

Courier package frauds are one of the prevalent tactics employed by scammers on WhatsApp. A user may receive a message that looks like it is coming from a legitimate courier company, claiming that your parcel is awaiting delivery. They may ask you to make a payment, citing reasons like delivery fees or customs clearance to receive your parcel. Like most other scams, this too, can be avoided by checking the authenticity of the messages with the courier company directly.

8. Gift card scams

A common WhatsApp scam involves receiving messages purportedly offering free gift cards from well-known brands or retailers. Such messages ask recipients to click on links or fill out surveys to claim the gift card, only to lead to malicious websites or requests for personal information. A simple way to avoid falling victim to this scam is to be wary of unsolicited messages offering freebies and refrain from clicking on suspicious links. Legitimate gift card offers are typically distributed through official channels or trusted sources, so it is advisable to verify the authenticity of any promotional messages before taking any action.

9. WhatsApp account hijack

Fraudsters may trick you into sharing your 6-digit WhatsApp account verification code. This will not only give you access to your WhatsApp account but also impersonate you and scam your contacts. WhatsApp offers two-step verification, which can effectively help prevent account hijacking.

10. WhatsApp Gold

WhatsApp has always been a free-to-use app, but scammers may send you a message or email inviting you to upgrade to WhatsApp Gold, a premium membership with exclusive features not available for other users. It will either dupe you by asking you to pay for using WhatsApp Gold or it may install malicious software on your phone to syphon off your sensitive data.  

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To reiterate, WhatsApp does not offer any premium versions. Hence, it is advisable to refrain from clicking any links provided in such scam messages. 

To sum up, you can thwart any kind of WhatsApp scam by verifying the identity of the sender, not disclosing personal or financial information, avoiding clicking any external link if you are not sure about its legitimacy, and enabling two-factor authentication. Lastly, it is advisable to report or block suspicious conversations.