Reports have been emerging of scammers using WhatsApp to deceive unsuspecting individuals. The latest method involves making unsolicited calls and video calls to WhatsApp users, often originating from unfamiliar international numbers, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia. The area codes frequently used by scammers are +84 (Vietnam), +62 (Indonesia), and +223 (Mali).
It is important to bear in mind that scammers may not necessarily be operating from the countries associated with the area codes. They could be using SIM cards and phone numbers from anywhere globally. Unfortunately, these scams can be extremely persuasive and result in individuals losing money or sensitive information.
A Twitter user recently shared their encounter with such a scam, where they received a message from an unknown international number, similar to those mentioned earlier. The sender claimed to be a job seeker from Vietnam, offering payment for every “like” on YouTube videos. This scam has been around for several months. The fraudsters request victims to download a malicious application or join a Telegram channel. The victims are then enticed to invest in stocks and cryptocurrencies.
In recent times, scammers have been using WhatsApp to deceive unsuspecting individuals by making unsolicited calls and video calls to users, often originating from unfamiliar international numbers, particularly from Southeast Asia. These calls usually come with area codes such as +84 (Vietnam), +62 (Indonesia), and +223 (Mali). However, scammers could be using SIM cards and phone numbers from anywhere globally, so it’s important to exercise caution when dealing with unknown numbers.
These scams are becoming increasingly convincing, leading people to lose their money or personal data. For instance, a Twitter user recently shared their experience of receiving a message from an unknown international number that posed as a job seeker from Vietnam. The sender offered payment for every “like” on YouTube videos, a popular scam that has been ongoing for several months. The scammers asked the victim to install a malicious app or join a Telegram channel. The victim would then be enticed to invest in stocks and cryptocurrencies.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it’s crucial to be vigilant and cautious. Never download unknown apps or click on suspicious links sent by unknown individuals. It’s also advisable to block unfamiliar numbers and report suspicious activity to WhatsApp. Additionally, keep your personal information private and avoid sharing sensitive data with unknown individuals. The primary aim of most scams is to trick people into giving away their money. Scammers may ask for payments for services that don’t exist or try to convince victims to invest in fake schemes. Once the money has been transferred, it’s almost impossible to get it back.
Scammers may also try to steal personal information, such as login credentials, credit card details, and social security numbers. This information can be used to commit identity theft, leading to serious consequences, including ruined credit scores and stolen funds. Scammers may ask victims to install malicious applications or click on suspicious links that can infect their devices with malware. Once infected, hackers can gain access to sensitive information stored on the device, such as emails, contacts, and passwords.
Scammers can be incredibly persuasive and convincing, leading victims to feel embarrassed, ashamed, and humiliated. Victims may also suffer from anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress as a result of the scam.
In summary, these scams can have serious consequences, including financial loss, identity theft, malware attacks, and emotional distress. It’s essential to stay vigilant, keep personal information private, and report suspicious activity to WhatsApp to avoid falling victim to these scams.
