MILLIONS of WhatsApp users are being warned over a long-running scam that could leave you out of pocket each month.
Security experts say that the costly text has been circulating since 2016 – but it’s easy to spot if you know the signs.
WhatsApp has more than two billion monthly active users, so it’s a prime location for scammers.
And cybersecurity experts at Panda Security say that the WhatsApp Gold scam is “one of the most viral” out there.
It promises you a special WhatsApp download on iPhone or Android that gives you an upgraded experience.
“This version supposedly offers exclusive features and enhancements,” Panda Security explained in an official security memo.
“However, clicking the link redirects users to a fraudulent webpage, where they are prompted to provide their phone number to access the purported upgrades.”
“However, giving your phone number signs you up for a costly premium SMS service.”
Panda Security warns that this fee can be around £30 a month.
If you receive a message asking you to download a special version of WhatsApp, it’s important to ignore it.
It’s especially important that you don’t have over any information, click any links, or download an .apk file.
An example of a scam WhatsApp Gold text reads: “Hey there! Have you heard about WhatsApp Gold? It’s the exclusive version with amazing features like video calling and enhanced security. Just click this link to upgrade now and enjoy all the benefits.”
OTHER WHATSAPP SCAMS TO BEWARE
There are plenty of types of scam texts that might find their way into your inbox.
For instance, the Impersonation Scam sees crooks creating fake WhatsApp accounts to pose as friends, family members, or colleagues.
They exploit trust with you to trick you into making urgent payments – only to make off with your money.
2
Phishing links are also extremely common.
This typically involves sending you a link that appears to be something tempting – like a prize or freebie – but actually infects your device or steals your info.
Tech support scams are also common.
This is where crooks pretend to be a WhatsApp official and message you claiming that there’s an issue with your account.
They’ll use this fraudulent authority to convince you to hand over personal info, or even control over your device.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
And don’t forget romance scams, which sees criminals building relationships with their victims to obtain money.
Romance scammers can be incredibly convincing, so it’s important to stay vigilant when talking with strangers online – even if they seem trustworthy.
What is phishing?
HERE’s what you need to know:
- Phishing is a type of online fraud
- It’s typically an attempt to nab some of your data
- Phishing generally involves scammers posing as a trustworthy entity
- For instance, fraudsters could send you an email claiming to be your bank, asking for details
- Scammers can also set up fake websites that look like real ones, simply to hoodwink you
- Phishing can take place over email, social media, texts, phone calls and more
- The best defence against phishing is to be generally sceptical of weblinks and emails, especially if they were unsolicited