Almost two billion individuals globally use WhatsApp as their primary messaging service. It offers a simple user interface for phone and video chatting and instant messaging, revolutionizing the way people interact. Unfortunately, the rise of spam communication and the development of fraud has come along with its growth.
The shift to WhatsApp from traditional SMS messaging was driven by the app’s free-to-use model and its cross-platform compatibility. Regardless of the device they were using, this allowed users to send messages to anyone. However, this has also made it simpler for spammers and marketers to send their unwelcome communications to a large audience.
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In WhatsApp, marketing, advertising, and scam messages are the most prevalent spam message types. Reportedly, automated bots were being set up to send messages to random people or groups. These messages frequently include links to websites or services that may not be reliable or even dangerous.
However, scams on WhatsApp are also becoming more sophisticated. The days of constant marketing messages from companies sent without users’ permission on WhatsApp are long gone.
People are getting scam WhatsApp calls and messages from international numbers
People are now reportedly getting unwanted audio and video calls from strange overseas numbers. Based on the International Subscriber Dialing (ISD) codes attached to them, these calls can be traced to nations like Malaysia (+60), Kenya (+254), and Vietnam (+84).
The majority of people are understandably alarmed to receive calls from these nations. They are also concerned about how these scammers obtained their phone numbers. As WhatsApp utilizes the VoIP network, these users may make free international calls from any location. These occurrences are not at all isolated
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As you can see by looking through social media, many people are dealing with this problem
Someone I know got scammed & lost money.
It started with a response to a part-time job offer on WhatsApp. The first few tasks were about leaving fake reviews for resorts & restaurants in random places like Peru. ~Rs 30k was transferred to the bank for the tasks completed. 1/8
— Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha) May 3, 2023
Looks like this is the new method these fraudsters have adopted. pic.twitter.com/U80FE63Fdx
— Vivek Sinha (@viveksinhaisb) May 3, 2023
Damn. Thought I was special 😉 pic.twitter.com/m9CV2gglUw
— MSP – 🧱 #TheInternetOfValue (@MosesSamPaul) May 4, 2023
While the rationale and aim behind calls from ominous numbers are unknown, it is suspected that such calls are made in an effort to deceive recipients into providing private information that might be utilized for illegal activities like stealing money from bank accounts.
It is crucial to keep in mind that an international call’s precise origin cannot always be determined by the international number that appears on the recipient’s phone screen. This is because some businesses offer international phone lines that may be used for WhatsApp calls.
Therefore, it is critical for users to exercise caution and safeguard themselves from fraud and spam on WhatsApp. Users should be cautious of communications that look too good to be true. They also avoid clicking on links or giving personal information to unidentified people. Users should also keep their security settings up to date on a regular basis. People must also watch out for any odd behavior on their accounts.
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