7 WhatsApp Scams You Should Be Aware of

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - WhatsApp, as an instant messaging platform that is very popular throughout the world, is not only a vital communication tool personally but also plays an important role in business and professionally. However, with its increasing popularity, WhatsApp has also become a prime target for scammers looking to commit various types of scams.

Scammers use messages that appear genuine and convincing to exploit users' trust for dishonest purposes. Therefore, it is important for all of us to understand and recognize the various forms of scam that may occur via WhatsApp so that we can avoid them wisely.

The following are various types of scams that are frequently conducted over WhatsApp:

1. Phishing

Phishing is a form of WhatsApp scam that often occurs, where fraudsters attempt to obtain sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other identity data by posing as official WhatsApp services.

They often send fake messages that appear authentic, directing victims to provide their personal information or click on links that lead to fake websites designed to steal data.

2. Prizes and sweepstakes

Scams under the guise of prizes or raffles also often occurs on WhatsApp. Scammers will send messages to WhatsApp users, claiming that they have won a big prize from a company.

However, to receive the prize, victims are asked to provide personal information or even transfer some money first. In fact, the prize does not actually exist, so victims can lose their money or personal data.

3. Love Scam

Love scams are a form of scam in which scammers pretend to be people who are romantically interested in their victims. They will form intimate conversational relationships with the aim of obtaining money or personal information from the victim.

This type of deception often exploits the victim's emotional needs and can go on for quite a long time before the victim realizes that they have been manipulated.

4. Spreading Malware or Viruses

Apart from these fraudulent techniques, criminals can also use WhatsApp to spread malware or viruses. They can send malicious links or files to victims, and if victims open those links or files, their devices can become infected. This can result in criminals being able to access the personal data of infected victims.

5. Wedding Invitation

One type of WhatsApp scams that was once popular was the fake wedding invitation. This scam is carried out by sending a wedding invitation link to potential victims. The invitations sent often take the form of invitation messages in .apk format, which actually aims to steal someone's personal data. Therefore, it is recommended not to click on the wedding invitation link in .apk format so that your personal data remains safe.

6. Click Link

The next type of WhatsApp scam that often spreads is by sending certain links. These scams generally involve sending messages containing links claiming to provide promotional information or notification that someone has won a prize. Scammers often use chain messages containing links that are referred to as "free quota links," when in fact they are dangerous phishing links.

7. Requesting OTP Code

The next scam is requesting an OTP code. The scammer tries to contact the victim via WhatsApp on the grounds that they entered the wrong telephone number during verification, and an OTP code is sent to the victim's number. It is important not to provide the OTP code carelessly because the verification code or OTP is confidential information that should not be shared with anyone.

EIBEN HEIZAR | ANDIKA DWI

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