Keep in mind that through a simple message you receive, a hacker could take control of your device. It could be a link that takes you to a website created to distribute malware, steal passwords or even obtain data to reach your contacts. But don’t worry, avoiding these attacks is as simple as knowing how to detect false messages and not interacting.
Detect dangerous WhatsApp messages
The main thing is going to be knowing how to detect those fake messages, but it is also convenient to have everything updated and have security programs. The idea is to be prepared to face threats that, in one way or another, may compromise our privacy when using WhatsApp on mobile or in the web version.
suspicious links
The first sign is when that message has a link that could make us suspicious. That is exactly what can make a WhatsApp message dangerous, since clicking on that links we can end up on a fake website, automatically download a file or even have to log in.
Therefore, if you see that a message has a strange link that makes you suspicious, it is essential that you avoid opening it. Quite often this is a shortened link, so you won’t really see the full address. That is what can make it more dangerous and it is advisable to take precautions.
Unknown number
you should also see what the number is from which they are sending you that message. Although it is not something to take into account 100%, since even a family member or friend can send you a false link without knowing it, it is one more sign that can come in handy to prevent problems.
If you receive a message from an unknown number, mainly from a foreign number, be careful because it could be a scam. In addition, you must analyze the message well and see if they ask you for data, have a link, etc. All of this will help you spot scams.
offers you a prize
Of course, a very common type of fake WhatsApp message is when they offer you a supposed prize. They can offer you a discount to buy on Amazon, for example, as well as something that, supposedly, has touched you. What they seek is to attract your attention, so that you read the message and interact.
In some cases, attackers will ask you to download something in order to access that prize. Again, instead, they will simply ask you for some information to send you what you have received. What they are looking for is to obtain personal information and they will put your privacy at risk without you realizing it.
Request a verification
A scam that can be used by WhatsApp is to request a check. What does this mean? They will send you a message asking you for a code that you have been able to receive by WhatsApp, mail or simply to perform an action to verify something from your account, from an online service or platform.
Basically, what they are looking for is to steal a two-factor authentication code. Beyond putting the password, it is increasingly common to have to take a second step to enter an account. Hackers are going to need that second step.
generic message
In this case, what you are going to detect is a message that is seen to be directed for many people. It’s a copy and paste, possibly mistranslated and a little weird, directing a lot of people to try, somehow, to scam and steal the data. It is key that you avoid clicking or interacting.
It is not usually difficult to detect them, since you will always see something strange in the message. However, cybercriminals are constantly refining their techniques to steal information, sneak in viruses, or control devices.
As you can see, with these steps that we have explained, you can detect a malicious message on WhatsApp. It is essential that you take action and do not make mistakes. Otherwise, they could end up stealing passwords, data or compromising your privacy in some way. It is important that you have everything well protected.
