Indian WhatsApp users losing lakhs in just a clickWhat is happening, how to stay safe

By Divya BhatiScammers across the globe are targeting Indians mostly through messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. In the last few weeks, hundreds and thousands of Indians have complained of receiving calls and messages from international numbers. These calls and messages, unfortunately, are rising at an alarming rate with every passing day.

In many instances, several WhatsApp users have lost their hard-earned money after getting calls or messages from scammers. These scam cases have grown at such a tremendous rate that even the Indian government has released an advisory. The officials have asked WhatsApp users to be aware of any calls and messages from international numbers they receive on the platform. Most of these scam calls start with +251 (Ethiopia), +60 (Malaysia), + 62 (Indonesia), +254 (Kenya), (+84) Vietnam, and others.

Seeing the intensity of the situation recently, even WhatsApp has become vigilant about the rising scams on the platform. In an official statement to India Today Tech, WhatsApp said that users must immediately block and report scam calls. “WhatsApp provides a convenient way to block and report suspicious accounts. It’s important to report these accounts to WhatsApp so that we can take the required action against them and ban them from the platform. Users can also control who sees their personal details and their online presence by using our privacy controls. Keeping your personal details visible to only your contacts can help safeguard your account against bad actors,” the statement read.

The messaging platform recently revealed that it has banned over 4.7 million accounts in the month of March alone after receiving complaints from users. However, it has also urged users to take effective steps to combat scams.

Now, what are these scams and what should you keep in mind? We have explained that below.

Part-time job scamWhat is it, how is it happening

Scammers often use WhatsApp to lure users with the promise of a part-time job. Once they have gained the user’s trust, they will ask them to join a Telegram group. In the group, the scammers will instruct the users to like YouTube videos, rate restaurants, or watch and rate movies. The scammers will initially pay the users a small amount of money to gain their trust. However, once they have the user’s trust, they will stop paying them and will instead ask them to do more tasks, such as clicking on links or providing personal information. After gaining trust, scammers then move to the next step i.e. asking users to deposit money to earn more money.

Speaking to a victim from Pune, India Today Tech learned that she lost around Rs 3 lakh in one such scam. The victim explained that she was first asked to watch a few videos and subscribe to channels on YouTube. She was promised Rs 1500 for the task. She was then asked to join a Telegram group. “After this, she (the scammer) added me to a Telegram group, where people were sharing their good experiences about earning (which was fake). The person (scammer) gave me task information that… I need to pay for the task and then I’ll get money back with a reward,” the victim explained.

The victim further noted that these scams are not just limited to WhatsApp, but also extend to YouTube and Telegram. She said that scammers often create fake websites where they ask innocent users to invest, sometimes in crypto too. “There were sets of tasks, 1st is to invest Rs 5000, go to the NASDAQ website (Again fake website provided by them) perform actions guided by the trainer. Task one is done..one by one..this continues and the amount increases,” she explained. “When I asked them to pay me back.. the lady and trainer said.. there was one more last task. And they kept doing this twice,” she added.

Some of my colleagues have also received such messages on WhatsApp. These scammers contacted us through international numbers and asked us to join their Telegram channel to earn money. We have also got some screenshots from victims who lost their money to these scams.

Ignore these 5 WhatsApp messages

Scammers are sending various kinds of messages to WhatsApp users in particular. In one, the scammer asks the user to like YouTube videos and earn 1500 per day, while in another message it asks the user to review a movie to get a commission. Here are some messages that scammers are sending WhatsApp users in India. Take a look.

How to identify scam calls and tips to keep in mind

To protect yourself from scams, you need to stay alert and cautious and learn to identify such messages. Don’t respond to them or even simply block them. Here are some points to keep in mind if you get such scam messages or calls on WhatsApp

1. Do not answer or reply to calls or messages from unknown international or domestic numbers.
2. Do not share your personal or financial information with anyone who claims to offer you a job or a reward.
3. Do not click on any links or download any attachments that are sent by strangers.
4. Do not pay any money to anyone who asks you to join a Telegram channel or complete a task.
5. Report and block any scammer who contacts you on WhatsApp or your mobile number.

You can also report your case to a cyber scam by following these steps. Cyber fraud incidents rising in Indiahow to file a complaint online on Cyber Crime portal.

All in all, it is important to be aware and vigilant while using social media platforms like WhatsApp or others. Especially when receiving calls and messages from unknown international numbers.