The riskiest message you can send or receive on WhatsApp
When using popular platforms or services, we are more likely to experience assaults than when using other types of websites. It occurs with social media platforms, email, and messaging apps. This essay will discuss the potential dangers of a straightforward WhatsApp message. We'll go over how they might try to harm us and how to stay safe at all times.
Scam WhatsApp messages.
The normal thing is that we receive secure messages, which come from friends or family and nothing is going to happen. But sometimes, as happens with SMS or messages on social networks, we can also receive some that can be very dangerous. They could steal our personal data or even sneak some malware.
How does this happen? A common method is when an attacker talks to us on WhatsApp using some excuse for it. For example, speaking as if they were sending a message to another person and saying that they have been confused, speaking impersonating the identity of a supposed company or person, sending an offer.
Common texts frequently begin a conversation by stating that you have changed your number, that you will be returning to Spain after a trip, etc. They want the victim to respond, to inquire who it is, so that they can start gathering personal information, such the name, as well as checking that the number is current. For instance, "Hello! My phone number has changed. Tomorrow, I fly into Spain. Should we remain and let me know how the family is doing?
Another message is when an attacker pretends to be a relative, such as a child of the victim, saying that he has lost or broken his mobile and is using a friend’s phone. He’s going to ask for money to be wired into an account so he can supposedly get a ride home or even pay for phone repairs.
Fake files by WhatsApp
But through WhatsApp they could also send files that are actually malware . Sometimes it even comes to us from a trusted contact, as they might have been the victim of a previous attack and are now forwarding something to all contacts. It may be a link, a message with a supposed discount code or offer, a file…
Maintaining common sense is crucial if you want to avoid being a victim of these attacks. As you can see, they employ social engineering to con people by sending communications that appear to be from someone else or a business. Avoid responding to messages of this kind, and always check before you speak if you are unsure.
Additionally, if you are unsure about the legitimacy of any files you get via WhatsApp that may be fraudulent, avoid opening them. A competent antivirus program can assist you in scanning papers for potential malware. It will alert you if you make a mistake so that you won't have any issues.