WHATSAPP is used by billions of people – and any one of them could be targeted by a dangerous text.
Some scam messages can have a devastating impact on your life.
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We’ve rounded up three of the most dangerous text cons you can encounter on WhatsApp.
“Hi mum, it’s me”
One of the most troubling WhatsApp texts is one that starts with “Hi mum/dad it’s me”.
It’s the beginning of a con that involves tricking parents into thinking they’re speaking to their children.
Often it will be using an excuse like they’re texting on a friend’s phone or from a new number.
But your own child’s WhatsApp may have even been compromised to pull off the scam.
The scammer will request a large sum of money to pay some kind of urgent bill.
But it’s a total con.
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If your “child” messages you asking for money, make sure to verify the request through another method – like on a phone call or in person.
Some unwitting parents have been scammed out of thousands using this method.
“Can you send my code?”
Another scam commonly used by crooks works via verification codes.
These are one-time use codes that let you log into WhatsApp or another service.
A scammer will message you saying they accidentally sent their login code to you.
They’ll then ask for you to send it to them.
This is not true: they’ve actually requested your own login code, and are asking for it.
Sending them the code will let them log into your accounts, potentially giving them access to chats, private photos, your money and more.
Never text a verification code to anyone.
Too-good-to-be-true deal
A third common WhatsApp scam is a deal that’s just too good to be true.
These common scams typically offer free beer or cheap iPhones – something that’s very tempting.
And they’ll working using a link that takes you to a seemingly official website.
But it’s actually just a data-harvesting operation.
At best, you might lose some personal info that will be sold on.
And at worst, you could give up access to important online accounts or even money.
The best method is to always verify the deal with the actual outlet.
Don’t click the link: it might take you to an official-looking website.
Instead navigate to the retailer directly and check for the deal there.
You could even verify it with customer support if you’re tempted but suspicious.
But always try to avoid entering personal information into a link sent via WhatsApp.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
