Scam groups update their techniques from time to time in order to take their victims by surprise. With the development of new technologies, it is increasingly common for these scams to be carried out through applications.
These new technologies allow scammers to reach more people, thus expanding the number of potential victims. According to the WABetainfo portal, the new trendy scam is carried out through WhatsaApp. The goal is the same as always: Get hold of a victim’s money.
Despite the fact that the ways of fraud have changed, the techniques continue to be the same as always. First, an attempt is made to create a climate of trust with the victim, then this link is used to obtain personal data, and finally, the theft of money.
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It all starts with a harmless message
“Sorry, who are you? I found your number in my address book ”is a formula scammers use to start a conversation with potential victims. The conversation continues with trivial questions, typical of a conversation between two people who have just met. What is the name of the user, his job, age …
All this is usually accompanied by compliments, all with a very correct and moderate tone so as not to generate any alert in the potential victim. Obviously, the objective of this dialogue is not to get a response, but to achieve profiles on social networks such as Facebook or Instagram.
At first glance, adding the number of followers on Instagram or friends on Facebook seems to be something harmless, but deep down it is giving access to photos, the contact list and more personal information.
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Subsequently, the scammers use these photos, as they have been shared or otherwise manipulated, to blackmail the victim, threatening to share them with family and friends if they do not agree to a payment.
If this scam attempt is detected, it is recommended to report it immediately to WhatsApp and also to the National Police.
