This is closely followed by a message from a known contact saying that their code was sent to the wrong person by mistake, and requesting the code that was sent. Two-Factor Authentication ScamĪnother type of WhatsApp scam is called a “2FA (or two-factor authentication) scam.” In this kind of scam, a person will receive a verification or authentication code that they have not requested. On the other hand, many targets of this scam have sent the money and been unable to get it back. Some banks will block a transfer that the system recognizes as suspicious, stopping the target of the scam from sending the money. WhatsApp users fall victim to this scam due to the belief that their loved one is contacting them, and their desire to help. They will then convince their target that they are in financial trouble and ask for a cash transfer in order to help them pay a bill. Cybercriminals will contact WhatsApp users as a loved one, usually a child or sibling, saying that they have lost their phone and they are messaging from their new number. The first kind of scam that has been gaining in popularity this year is known as the “ Mum and Dad scam,”Ī form of impersonation fraud where a cybercriminal pretends to be a loved one in order to trick a relative into sending them money. Below is a summary of notable scams and how to avoid them. Jessica Barker, CEO of Cygenta, recently posted a video discussing prominent examples of WhatsApp scams in 2022, explaining how to avoid falling victim to them. Other types of scams attempt to target users with malware or gain access to their accounts.ĭr. The British Lloyds Bank reports a 2000% increase in WhatsApp scams in the past year. Victims of certain WhatsApp scams are losing thousands of dollars to cybercriminals who deceive them into transferring money for a variety of reasons. These tactics include an expansion into text messages, social media, and communication apps like WhatsApp. Cybercriminals are increasingly using WhatsApp as the medium for their attacks, and while people have become generally more wary of email phishing over the years, cybercriminals have adapted their tactics, implementing more sophisticated methods of phishing. Unfortunately, it is also a huge number of potential victims for criminals to target. In fact, there are two billion active users on the app. WhatsApp is ranked as the most popular mobile messenger app in the world.
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