In today’s global and connected world, the “Whatsapp Web” app is now the most potent tool for millions of people to stay in touch with loved ones, family and co-workers. But the benefits of a larger keyboard for texting are that they also enable scammers to reach new segments of the population. As we put more of WhatsApp Web into our daily lives, knowing the common scammers and tactics will be key to living your digital life safely. Here are five of the most common scams targeted at users of the social media app and some useful tips to stay away from them.
1. The Fake “QR Code Login” Phishing Scam
This is one of the most direct and likely most dangerous attacks on your account. It usually starts with a message sent to you by a person you know – whose account has already been compromised. They typically ask for your help: “Hey, I need you to help me log in to my account. WhatsApp has just sent you a code, would you like to forward it? ” or “You may receive a message from WhatsApp Support asking you to scan a new QR code to “verify your account” or “unlock a new feature. ”
How to Avoid it: The golden rule here is: Do not scan a QR code sent to you on a chat to sign in to WhatsApp Web. The legitimate way to sign in to WhatsApp Web is only ever on the web. whatsapp. com where you scan the code with your phone to join the devices. Messengers will never begin contacting you asking for your code or for you to scan a code. If you get a friend asking you for this, be sure to call them through other means to confirm that their account has been hacked.
2. The “Celebrity” Giveaway Fraud
Scammers take advantage of people’s excitement of getting something free. As a result you might see a message (usually in a group chat) inviting you to submit personal information to receive “your reward” or they may invite you to share information about yourself to “validate your eligibility. ”
How to Avoid it: Any actual legitimate celebrity/company will not distribute lucrative giveaway offers via unsolicited WhatsApp Web messages. These links open up webpages whose purpose is to steal your banking or personal information. You should always verify any such offers through the real social media accounts/websites of the purported company to prevent them from defrauding you.
See also: Smart Tips to Make the Most of Your Draper Lift Without Calling Tech Support Every Month
3. The “Urgent Help” Impersonation Scam (Hi Mom/Dad)
This highly emotional scam usually targets parents, but can supposedly work on anyone. The scammer hijacks a victim’s account and uses WhatsApp网页版 to send a message to the victim’s contacts, mostly a parent, which is apparently informing them that they’re in extreme financial pain — they’ve lost their phone, have been hospitalised or have run out of cash (they urgently need money to pay an emergency bill).
How to Avoid it: The key to defeating this scam is verification. If you get a panicked message from a loved one asking you for money, stop and immediately call them on their known phone number, they can’t use the number in the suspicious message. You can set up a family safe word or ask a question that only the real person would know to answer. You should never make a money transfer under pressure without seeing them speak directly to you.
4. The Fake Job Offer or Interview Scam
With more people seeking remote work opportunities, this scam has surged. You receive a message out of the blue from a “recruiter” offering a high-paying, low-effort job. They sound professional and may even use a real company’s name. To proceed, they ask you to pay a “registration fee,” provide bank details for “payroll setup,” or download a file that turns out to be malware.
How to Avoid it: Legal companies never hire random WhatsApp messages or Web messages. Be very careful with any offer that looks like it’s too good to be true. Never pay for an interview. Research the company yourself, contact the company via the official website, and be suspicious of any request to download any unknown software or document.
5. The “Security Code” or Account Verification Scam
Like the QR code scam, this one focuses on the six digit PIN you get via text when setting up WhatsApp. So a fraudster who wants to hijack your account will trigger your login process and call you on the phone (often pretending to be a friend) where they’ll give you that six digit code: “I accidentally sent the verification code to your number, can you read it out to me? ” If you give it to them, they’ll have full control of your account.
How to Avoid it: The verification code you use on whatsapp is actually your password. You should never share it with anyone ever. WhatsApp will never call you asking for the code. If a person asks you for this code then it’s 100% a scam. You can enable two step verification in whatsapp (Settings > Account > Two step verification) so that even if someone asks for your code (they cannot get around your code) they still have a way around it.
Staying Secure on WhatsApp Web
On WhatsApp网页版, staying in the clear is a constant battle. Always make sure to login through the official web.whatsapp.com site. On a regular basis review your linked devices in WhatsApp Settings and sign out of any you don’t recognize. You can find more information about these threats in the Symantec Report on the state of privacy and security on the internet. By knowing these popular strategies, you don’t have to be a victim for people who misuse the WhatsApp Web.
