Recently there has been a rise in the number of times someone on LinkedIn posing as an agent for someone else, proposing a deal or to make connections by going off LinkedIn to WhatsApp.
I’m not usually a suspicious person, living my life in a fairly trusting way. But I was very curious about the increasing frustration I have with these techniques. So I did some research.
Here’s what my new friend AI gave me:
New and Frequent WhatsApp Scams Involving Phone Numbers
Based on my research, here are the most common and recent scams involving WhatsApp and phone numbers:
1. Verification Code Scams
This scam works when someone tries to register a WhatsApp account using your phone number. WhatsApp sends a verification code to your phone, then a scammer contacts you (often pretending to be WhatsApp support or a friend) asking you to share this code. If you share it, they can hijack your account completely. Hot for Security
In a newer variation, scammers first compromise someone in your contacts list, then use their account to message you asking for the verification code that was just sent to your phone. They create a sense of urgency, making it seem like a time-sensitive request from someone you trust. Thejournal
2. The “Wrong Number” Scam
In this type of scam, a fraudster intentionally texts your WhatsApp number pretending to have messaged the wrong person. They engage you in friendly conversation to gather personal information or eventually promote fake investment opportunities. Hot for Security
These scams often start with an innocuous message that seems meant for someone else, like confirming an upcoming event or simply saying “hi.” The goal is to get you to engage so they can build rapport before launching into another scam like a romance scam or fake investment opportunity. Aura
3. Impersonation/Family Emergency Scams
Scammers impersonate victims’ family members on WhatsApp, often claiming they have a new phone number due to their old phone being lost or broken. Tech
The “Mom and Dad scam” involves fraudsters impersonating a victim’s child or other family member, asking for money for an emergency. They may claim to have gotten a new number or bank details and need you to transfer money to help with a legal issue or emergency. Aura
4. Tech Support Impersonation
Scammers pose as WhatsApp support representatives and ask you to verify your identity by sending a verification code via SMS or Telegram. They may also request sensitive information like credit card numbers or 6-digit WhatsApp codes, which allows them to hack into your account. Hot for Security
One of the fastest-growing WhatsApp scams involves scammers impersonating the WhatsApp support team. They ask you to verify your identity or click a link to confirm it’s you, potentially leading to being locked out of your account. Comparitech
5. Job Offer Scams
In WhatsApp job scams, fake recruiters reach out with unsolicited job offers, baiting hopeful job seekers with false promises of high pay and competitive benefits. They may request payment for training, onboarding, or materials as a way to extort money. Norton
6. SIM Swapping and One-Time Password (OTP) Scams
In SIM swapping, thieves reassign your phone number to a SIM card in a phone they control, then try to log into your accounts using codes or links sent to your phone number. Experian
With OTP bots, scammers try to log into your account, prompting your bank to send you a one-time code. Simultaneously, a bot imitates the company and contacts you asking for the code, making it seem like a legitimate request. Experian
How to Protect Yourself
- Never share verification codes with anyone, even if they claim to be from WhatsApp support or a friend who sent it by mistake.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your WhatsApp account through Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
- Be suspicious of urgent requests, especially those asking for money or personal information.
- Verify identity through other channels – if someone claims to be a friend with a new number, call their old number or contact them through another platform.
- Don’t engage with messages from unknown numbers, even if they seem harmless or claim to be wrong-number texts.
- Be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers like job opportunities, prizes, or investment schemes that come through WhatsApp.
- Check for clues of authenticity – official WhatsApp accounts have verification badges next to the contact name, not in the profile picture.
- Report suspicious activity to WhatsApp by pressing and holding the message, selecting “Report,” and following the instructions.
These scams are constantly evolving, but they typically follow similar patterns of creating urgency, requesting personal information or money, and exploiting trust relationships.
Call this my community service alert.
Friends, BEWARE!!!!
