WhatsApp It is, for many years now, an application that we use daily to communicate. This is used by hackers, how could it be otherwise. They know that they have many possible victims available through a simple conversation. They constantly renew the scam techniques and, although there are many, in this article we are going to tell you about some of the most current and that you are most likely to receive.
Keep in mind that they can be messages that seem real. Sometimes it is difficult to know if it is really a person with good intentions or if it is a trap. However, you should always be alert and not risk. They could steal your personal data, passwords and take control of the device.
Current scams by WhatsApp
A single message can contain links that take you to a website controlled by attackers. They have been able to create a page that seems legitimate, that pretends to be from a bank, from platforms like Netflix or Amazon, as well as any other page that is really reliable. Actually it is a scam.
I have called you and you do not pick up
The first type of scam is to send you a message to get you to reply, so that interact with the attacker. He will seek to earn your trust, so that you can take that first step. What they do is send you a message where they tell you that they have called you on the phone, but that you have not picked up and need to talk to you.
If you fall for the bait, you are going to answer that he has been confused, that you have not received any calls, you are going to ask who he is, etc. From there, he will continue the conversation to gradually gain your trust. There will come a time when it will ask you to do something. It may send you a link, a file, you may give it some personal information… Even simply by saying your name, it could use it in the future to launch a personalized Phishing attack by having your number and name.
package not delivered
They also use a lot of the strategy of making believe that they have tried to deliver a packagebut you haven’t opened the door. Once again, they are looking for you to interact with the attacker. He’s going to wait for you to ask a question or just say he’s confused, to try to get some information out of him.
The problem is that today it is very common to buy online and be aware of receiving a package. Therefore, they may succeed and you may fall into the trap. Careful with this. You should never give personal data, much less passwords or bank information.
you got a prize
A classic, but one that is constantly being used and perfected. They send you a message via WhatsApp saying that you have received a prize. They assure that you have been chosen and that they need your data so I can send you that gift. They are going to ask you for the address where you live, some email or even bank details to pay you a financial sum that belongs to you.
Logically all this is a scam. It is simply a bait to attract your attention and scam you. Be careful with any such message. Sometimes they will tell you that you need to give certain information before a certain time, which they use so that you cannot inform yourself, nor can you think much.
Code sent in error
In this case, what they are looking for is steal two-step authentication codes. These are the codes that the bank sends you, for example, when you are going to make a transfer. The goal is to confirm that it’s really you doing the transfer and it’s not an impersonation scam.
The attacker has previously been able to steal your password or gain access to your account, but they will need that code to continue. They will tell you by WhatsApp that they have sent you a code by mistake and please tell them what it is. Actually, what you are sending is a 2FA code of yours, with which he is going to enter your account or steal from you.
As you can see, there are certain messages that are common in WhatsApp and that you should avoid. The goal is to protect the security of instant messaging applications. With this, you will prevent them from stealing your personal data, banking information or from being able to sneak in a virus with which they will control your device without you knowing it.