Indian WhatsApp users fall victim to online scams, resulting in significant financial losses with just a single click. Let’s see how they are facing scams.
The prevalence of these scams is increasing in India, with individuals receiving calls or messages related to work-from-home opportunities through messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Unfortunately, the frequency of these scam attempts is rapidly escalating, causing concern among the general population.
Many WhatsApp users have reported losing their hard-earned money after engaging with scammers through calls or messages. This surge in scam incidents prompted the Indian government to issue an advisory, urging WhatsApp users to exercise caution when receiving calls or messages from international numbers.
Notably, the scam calls often originate from numbers starting with +251 (Ethiopia), +60 (Malaysia), +62 (Indonesia), +254 (Kenya), (+84), Vietnam, and others.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, WhatsApp has also taken measures to combat the rising scams. In an official statement, WhatsApp advised users to block and report suspicious accounts immediately.
By utilizing the platform’s privacy controls, users can restrict the visibility of their details and online presence solely to their contacts, safeguarding their accounts against malicious actors.
WhatsApp has proactively banned over 4.7 million accounts in March alone based on user complaints. However, users are encouraged to protect themselves from scams proactively. It is crucial to understand the different types of scams and remain vigilant.
One prevalent scam involves enticing users with promises of part-time jobs. Once trust is established, scammers direct users to join Telegram groups, where they are instructed to engage in activities such as liking YouTube videos, rating restaurants, or watching and rating movies.
Initially, WhatsApp users may receive small payments to gain their trust. However, scammers eventually stop payments and coerce users into performing additional tasks, such as clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information. At a later stage, scammers may even request users to deposit money to earn more allegedly.
Tragically, victims have suffered substantial financial losses due to these scams. For instance, one victim from Pune disclosed losing approximately Rs 3 lakh in such a scam.
The victim was lured into joining a Telegram group after being asked to watch videos and subscribe to YouTube channels. This group shared false testimonies to create an illusion of successful earnings. The victim was then instructed to pay for tasks with the promise of receiving money back as a reward, but the funds were never returned.
One must remain cautious and think critically to protect oneself from these scams. Users should be wary of unsolicited job offers and avoid engaging with unknown individuals or groups promising easy money.
It is crucial to report suspicious accounts to WhatsApp and refrain from sharing personal or financial information with untrusted sources. By staying vigilant and informed, users can reduce the risk of falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. However, WhatsApp always shows interesting features. So, update now and make fun with friends.
