How to detect scams on whatsapp

Scams and hoaxes is something that has always existed, but with the presence of the Internet they manage to expand more easily. So they reach more people very quickly. WhatsApp has become one of the favorite tools to spread hoaxes or scams. There is usually some news about a new scam in the application. With more than 1 billion users, it is undoubtedly one of the best places to find victims.

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How to know when they are trying to scam you on WhatsApp

In many cases detecting that it is a scam is not something too complicated. Although there are some cases in which for the user it is not easy to determine whether or not it is a scam. Luckily, there are always some ways that can help us discover if it is a new scam on WhatsApp.

Thanks to some simple details to keep in mind we can avoid falling into these traps. In addition, keeping these aspects always in mind, we will be able to protect ourselves against any hoax or scam that comes to us through the application. Do you want to know how to detect a scam on WhatsApp? Stay tuned for the following tips.

Bad grammar

A constant in the absolute majority of the hoaxes that circulate through the instant messaging application is poor spelling. It may appear in the form of misspelled words, but many times it is some expressions that are suspicious. It is recommended to read these messages carefully, because with almost total security you are going to find a fault. That will be a key to determine that it is one of the many hoaxes that circulate on WhatsApp.

Message strings

Surely many of you have come across one of these message chains. You are asked to forward the message to your contacts (sometimes to a certain number) in order to be lucky. Or avoid having bad luck, or being able to win a product. A chain itself does not generate damage or danger on our device. The main problem is that we are spreading false information, which in some cases can cause panic or unfounded fear in many people.

A good way to detect that it is a scam chain is to copy the text to Google. Generally you can find information about this text, with comments from users who have detected or spread it.

Links

Some of the so-called scams are not scams as such, but rather seek to infect users' devices with malware. In this way, through a link on WhatsApp, you can access the phone. Thus, they will have access to our personal data (passwords, email, bank details…). With the risks that this entails. These links can also subscribe the user to Premium SMS services.

Therefore, if you get any message with a link on WhatsApp, the recommendation is that you never open it. Do not click on this link, since it is not known what is in it. The dangers they pose are many.

Promotions and discounts

Another very common scam in the application is to find us with messages that announce impressive promotions or great discounts. Products whose price is much lower than the usual price (a product of 600 euros for only 100 euros) or other types of promotions that guarantee us great discounts or great savings.

Logically, taking a product with a great discount is always attractive. But, knowing this discount through a message on WhatsApp is not usual. It is also not a sure thing. Again it is a scam that can cause the user to be giving access to their private data or ending up with a subscription to a service they do not want. The ideal way to identify that it is a scam is that the reduction in the price is excessive compared to the sale price of that product.

New functions

A scam that has been very common, although I have seen less in recent months is one that promises new features on WhatsApp. In this case the message talks about an application or a way to activate some exclusive function in the instant messaging application. Usually accompanied by a download link of the alleged application. New features in the app are always introduced in updates. Generally our phone will notify us that an update is available.

We can also update the application from Google Play. But a new feature will never be announced or introduced via message. Another aspect that must be clarified is that of applications that help the operation of WhatsApp. There are some applications that can complement the use of the instant messaging application, but none will be announced through messages. You can always find them on Google Play or APK.

Job offers

In Spain, there have been numerous scams involving job offers. A brief description of the company or the job is offered and users are invited to click on a link that will take them to the company website. Supposedly they will be able to get more information about the job and request if they click on the link. Something that does not happen, since the link is false. In addition, no company promotes itself by sending messages on WhatsApp in bulk.

The ideal in these cases, in addition to not clicking on that link, is to look for information about the company. We can search Google, where it is possible that it is a scam, or on job advertisement websites. Most likely in this case there is no job offer from that company. In fact, surely the company doesn't even exist.

As you can see, scams on WhatsApp are usually relatively easy to detect. Most of them follow a certain pattern that can serve as an indicator that it is a hoax or a scam. Once we have detected it, it is recommended to block that number and share the experience to prevent other users from falling for this scam.

Avoid hoaxes on WhatsApp

Here are some ways to avoid these hoaxes and protect yourself from them. Thus, any potential danger that has hidden in them is avoidable.

Block unknown contacts

Most scams usually come from a contact that you don't have on your agenda. We can always ask that person to identify himself and tell us who he is. This person will most likely respond evasively and give us very vague responses. Therefore, it would be best if we proceed to block this contact. This way we avoid any possible problem for the future.

Disable automatic photo download

Many users have automatic download of photos, videos and files activated on WhatsApp. This can be dangerous if the file sent to us is infected. Therefore, it is best that we disable this option and decide individually with each file sent to us if we really want to download it or not. This way you prevent chain messages from being downloaded automatically.

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In addition, disabling this function also helps us save data, especially if we are in a group in which there are enough people.

Ask before if someone sends you something

In some scams in the app, the message comes from one of your contacts. It could be someone you talk to frequently, or someone you barely know. You receive a message with an image or a link. You should never click, it is better to contact that person. You should ask him about that message he sent you.

What do you want with that message he sent you? There may be cases where the person has been the victim of a hack and is spamming their contacts. So asking can help protect us. And it may also be helpful to our friends.

These simple actions can prevent us from becoming victims of one of the multiple scams that circulate on WhatsApp. In addition, if we take into account the aspects discussed at the beginning of the article, surely there will be no scam that manages to deceive you.