How to recognize WhatsApp Scams and Spam messages
WhatsApp scams are a thing, and it is becoming a big problem with every passing day. We are not surprised by this because the platform is the most popular messenger service with over 1 billion monthly users, therefore, scammers will want to take advantage of that large number.
Spot WhatsApp Scams & Spam
Going forward, folks will need to learn how to spot scams so they can be safe when using the WhatsApp service. Failure to do so could mean the loss of cash, or bad people stealing identities for nefarious reasons. Here are a few suggestions:
- Phone numbers you do not know
- Regularly forwarded messages
- Strange looking links
- Verify your login information
- Look out for precise wording
Let us talk about this scam and spam issue in greater detail.
1] Phone numbers you do not know
If you are the type of person to place your phone number in public forums on the web, then you are at a higher chance of receiving spam calls, texts, or WhatsApp messages. Should a strange message fall into your inbox from an unknown number, then we suggest blocking it right away without hesitation.
The scammer might try again, so be prepared to block each number that comes up. Now, if your number was scraped from the web, then it is possible for scammers to do some more digging to find information about you.
They could use this data to make it seem as if they are a known person in your life, so be very careful.
2] Regularly forwarded messages
Messages that are forwarded on a regular basis across WhatsApp, in most cases, are merely spammers trying to scam and nothing else, to be honest. But how can we know if this message has made the rounds on the platform? Well, the team behind the service launched a new feature back in 2019 that helps a lot.
When a message is forwarded, a single arrow is shown. However, when the message has been forwarded for more than five times, then a double arrow is shown.
This is very important because knowing the differences can help with determining which message to delete and who to block.
3] Strange looking links
When looking at your WhatsApp messages, be sure to keep an eye out for suspicious-looking links, because in most cases, they are most likely, spam. Below are two of the most famous spam messages in WhatsApp history:
- WhatsApp is expiring soon: In the days before Facebook purchased WhatsApp, and a short time after, many users would get messages claiming the service will expire soon, and the only way to stop it was to spend some cash. This was definitely a scam, so if you see it again, just be aware.
- WhatsApp Gold, the premium version: There are two versions of WhatsApp. One for regular people, and the Business version designed for users with a small or medium-sized business. With this in mind, users should always be on the lookout for a message highlighting WhatsApp Gold. This scam was quite prevalent in 2016 as it seeks to trick people to pay for an app that doesn’t exist.
4] Verify your login information
Here’s the thing, WhatsApp in its current form does not support 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication.) So, if you should come across a message that is trying aid in creating a 2FA for the service, then chances are a scammer is attempting to get in your pocket.
Read: How to control WhatsApp Spam?
5] Look out for precise wording
In many cases, scammers tend to use the same type of tactics to trick people into clicking on links, so it shouldn’t be too hard to spot. For example, the sender may claim he or she is connected with WhatsApp or Facebook in some shape or form but bear in mind that no employee will ever contact you.
At other times, a message may state that the user must perform certain actions to avoid punishment, or the message may contain information on how to collect gifts. These things are not real so never allow yourself to get duped.
