The evolution of technology has brought with it new forms of communication and, unfortunately, increasingly sophisticated methods of digital deception. WhatsApp, as the most widely used instant messaging app worldwide, has become a prime target for cybercriminals. cybercriminals seeking to take advantage of the immediacy and trust this channel generates. While techniques change and improve, the goal is always the same: access your personal or financial information, or even take control of your account.
In this article you will discover The most common types of scams on WhatsApp, how to identify them clearly and the best prevention guidelines, for both individual users and businesses. You'll also learn practical tools to protect your digital identity and that of your contacts, as well as specific recommendations for attempted fraud. It's vital to know not only what to do, but also how to minimize the risk of becoming a victim.
What are the most common scams on WhatsApp?
Every year, new variants of digital scams emerge, but there are recurring types that are repeated due to their effectiveness. The common denominator is usually the social engineering, which emotionally manipulates the victim to gain their trust and obtain sensitive information. Below is a more detailed review of the main current threats:
Phishing: fraudulent links and messages
El Phishing WhatsApp scams consist of messages that pretend to be from trusted entities (banks, well-known companies, service platforms) with the aim of directing you to a fake website or form. Once there, the user is prompted to enter personal data, passwords, or banking information. The scenario often includes urgent messages, security warnings, policy changes, or notifications of prizes or sweepstakes that require immediate action.
Keys to identifying phishing:
- The sender is unknown or has a suspicious international number.
- The message uses lack of personal details, as simply “Hello, I’m your bank.”
- It includes shortened links or web addresses that mimic the originals by changing only a few characters.
- Urgent requests to update passwords, unlock accounts or confirm suspicious transactions.
In the event of any phishing attempt, Never access from links provided in messagesWe recommend that you always check the official website by manually typing the address into your browser and never share your personal or banking information through chats or messaging apps.
Identity theft and the "child or relative in distress" method
Identity theft is one of the scams more widespread and dangerousThe attacker poses as an acquaintance, family member, or even a supposed Meta support technician, using an unknown number or, sometimes, the hacked profile of one of your contacts.
One of the most used methods is that of “son or relative in trouble”The scammer contacts claiming to be a son, cousin, nephew or friend who has lost their phone, is using a new number and needs money urgently for an unforeseen event (fines, hospitalizations, travel problems, etc.). They often demand discretion or confidentiality and resort to emotional pressure to prevent the victim from asking for more information or verifying the story.
Warning signs:
- The message avoids giving the specific name and wait for the victim to guess (“Do you know who I am?”, “Guess who’s writing to you”).
- Request fast transfers using methods that are difficult to trace or reverse, such as Bizum, mobile payment applications, or cryptocurrencies.
- Asks for personal data or access to WhatsApp accounts, especially verification codes.
If you have the slightest suspicion, contact through another channel (direct phone call, social media, previously known email) before responding or sending any information.
Fraudulent resale of tickets and products
Buying and selling tickets for concerts, sporting events, or shows on WhatsApp is another common target for scammers. These are the main options:
- Duplicate entries: The same PDF file is sold to multiple people. Upon arrival at the event, only the first scanned ticket is valid; the rest are invalid.
- Advance payment without guarantees: The seller requires prior transfer or non-reversible payment methods before showing the supposed ticket or product.
- Counterfeit tickets or productsUsing digital editing tools, the scammer generates fake documents that are difficult to verify.
Tips to avoid these scams: Always purchase from official platforms or with payment methods that include buyer protection. If you have any questions, contact the event organizer directly or compare the document with an authentic one. Don't make payments or share personal information before verifying the seller's legitimacy.
Fake tech support or verification code scams
A form of scam on the rise is the fake WhatsApp or Meta technical supportCybercriminals send messages pretending to be from the app's official team, claiming that your account is at risk or has been blocked for security reasons. They request a Verification code that they supposedly sent by mistake, but in reality they use it to access your account and block you.
- Never share a WhatsApp verification code.No one from official support will ask you for that information.
- Real tech support doesn't contact you via WhatsApp or ask for codes, passwords, or banking information.
- If you receive these messages, block and report the sender immediately.
Unreal offers and fake giveaways on WhatsApp
The suspiciously generous promotions and prizes They are a widely used resource. The message claims you've won a raffle, prize, scholarship, or exclusive discount, and to receive it, you must provide personal or banking information or click a link.
Cybercriminals use fake corporate visual identity and names of well-known companies to create credibility. They may also use fake testimonials or links to pages that pretend to be from Trustpilot or review systems.
- Please check the official website before entering any information.
- Check out review platforms like Trustpilot to check out other users' experiences, but do so by typing the address into your browser yourself.
- Be wary of unclaimed prizes and never pay fees or shipping costs for supposed gifts.
Digital extortion and blackmail
An increasingly common type of scam is the blackmail or sextortion, where the attacker claims to possess intimate images or videos of the victim and demands payment to keep them private. These threats seek to generate fear and pressure.
Key recommendations:
- Never send money or give in to blackmail.
- Collect screenshots and contact the authorities.
- Avoid sharing sensitive images or documents, and review the privacy of your social networks and cloud services.
Voice scams and fraudulent calls (vishing and robocalling)
El vishing (voice phishing) and the robocalling These scams involve receiving calls that pretend to be from companies, banks, or even family members. Criminals record your affirmative response to authorize transactions or simply seek to confirm that the number is active for future fraud.
- Don't respond affirmatively to calls from strangers. Opt for neutral responses like "hello" or "good morning."
- Be wary of silent calls that abruptly drop off.
- Do not return missed calls from unknown numbers.
Curiosity scams: “I have something important to tell you, add me on WhatsApp.”
This modality takes advantage of the curiosity or concern Users receive a call or brief message urging them to add an unknown number to WhatsApp to receive supposedly important news. Adding that number opens the door to new scams, phishing, or account takeover attempts.
Basic suggestions: Don't add unknown numbers without first verifying their identity, and adjust your privacy settings so only your contacts can see your personal information, profile picture, and statuses.
Scams targeting businesses: CEO fraud and organizational deception
Not only individuals are targeted. Companies and their workers They may also receive messages pretending to be from financial managers, directors, or bosses, demanding urgent transfers, often under the excuse of confidentiality and urgency.
Partial or public information about the company's structure is often used to provide greater veracity.
- Please check any unusual payment or transfer requests through another channel.
- Train employees on these risks and implement double-check protocols in sensitive cases.
Key tools, features, and settings to protect you
In addition to recognizing the most common scam methods, it is essential to adopt good practices and activate security features that WhatsApp and other operating systems offer. Here are the main recommendations and tools to stay safe:
- Two-Step Verification: Enable this option from Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification. Add a personal PIN that will be requested along with the verification code, making it difficult to access your account even if your SIM card is stolen or someone tries to register your number on another device.
- Control automatic file download: Disable the automatic feature to prevent malware or compromised files from being downloaded without your permission. Go to Settings > Storage & data > Automatic file downloads and select "never" for all content types.
- Set the privacy of your profile: Limit who can see your profile picture, information, status, and last seen date to only your contacts. Go to Settings > Privacy and adjust permissions.
- Block and report suspicious contacts: For any suspicious messages, use the blocking and reporting feature so WhatsApp is aware of them and can respond accordingly.
- Avoid responding or interacting with unknown senders: Any message or call from an unregistered number should be treated with caution. If it's legitimate, the sender will find another way to contact you.
- Check the groups you are added to: You can limit who can add you to groups by going to Settings > Privacy > Groups.
- Keep your device and apps updated: Updates typically include security patches that protect against newly identified vulnerabilities.
General guidelines and practical recommendations for users and companies
- Never share sensitive information such as passwords, verification codes, credit card numbers, or personal documents via WhatsApp.
- Be wary of messages or calls from unknown numbers, especially if they ask for money, urgent favors, or private information.
- Always verify the identity of the person contacting you, especially if the message arrives on a new or different number than usual.
- Don't click on suspicious links and do not download files from senders you do not know.
- Disable automatic download of videos, images and documents to prevent malware from entering your device.
- Use secure payment methods and avoid rapid transfers to strangers or under emotional pressure.
- Do not respond to prizes, sweepstakes or offers that you have not requested.If in doubt, look for information on the official website and contact the company through official channels.
- Applying the link control ruleBe wary of links in messages that may seem suspicious or come from unknown sources. For added security, always check domains on trusted platforms, and if in doubt, consult our Article on how to identify and report scams on WhatsApp.
- Use WhatsApp's features to improve your privacy reviewing the Complete guide to configuring your privacy and security.
In the event of fraud or suspicion of scam, act quickly To limit the damage and protect your information and that of your contacts:
- Block and report the sender immediately from the application itself.
- Change your passwords and activate two-step verification if you believe your credentials have been compromised.
- Contact your bank to block cards or transactions if you have provided financial information.
- Report the attempted or fraudulent act to the police authorities., providing all the information and captures you can.
- Notify your contacts in case your account has been hacked to prevent them from falling into the same scam.
Staying up to date with cybersecurity developments and constantly educating yourself about new scam methods is essential to making technology a safe space. Knowing the modus operandi, maintaining a critical attitude, and taking advantage of the protection tools you already have at your disposal will make the difference between being a target or being protected from scams. WhatsApp fraud. Remember that if you have any questions, prevention and direct consultation in official media is your best defense.
