WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging services, which also makes it one of the most exploited by hackers and scam artists
There are several types of WhatsApp scams, including:
The “wrong number” scam, where the scammer builds a relationship with a mark before reeling them in with a sob story to persuade them to transfer money
The impersonation scam where the scammer poses as a family member in distress and in need of financial help
A too-good-to-be-true job offer which solicits a registration or processing fee
Romance and dating scams, where a con artist builds trust with a target before eventually asking for financial help
WhatsApp account takeover scam, where the scammer asks for a six-digit code that was sent to a target as part of verifying a new device and thereby gaining access to an account
WhatsApp Gold scam, which offers aPremium” version of the app with exclusive features for a fee, but it is a front to steal personal information or to Download malware onto a target’s phone
Giveaway or gift scams offer a target a reward for participating in a survey or other such service, but it is a front to persuade a target to part with personal
