People are using messaging apps for more than chatting with friends or family. They are doing business deals, shopping online, doing customer service, job searching, and even investing. Two of the most popular messaging apps in the world are Telegram and WhatsApp. Their users are so many that they look up telegram下载 to find channels and groups, and many professionals use WhatsApp and look up whatsapp网页版登录 to communicate easily with one another.
But with great popularity comes great danger. Telegram and WhatsApp are great tools for scammers to target innocent users. Scammers make their messaging scams look very real, and one wrong click could lead to losing money, identity, or getting hacked.
That is why knowing how Telegram and WhatsApp scams works is very important.
Why Scammers Target Telegram and WhatsApp
The more people using an app, the easier it is for scammers to find victims. Scammers use Telegram and WhatsApp to communicate with victims, share files, and send links quickly. Scammers use this speed to their advantage.
There’s a high risk of scams on Telegram due to its open channels, groups, and communities. Scammers can quickly target large audiences without any limit to the number of people. Telegram allows scammers to reach large audiences. Due to its more private structure, WhatsApp scammers use phone numbers and hacked accounts to lure victims.
Many users fall for scams due to the trust afforded to them by the apps which enables scammers to operate without significant risk.
Scams Targeting New Users
Scams target users of newly released platforms due to the inability to identify the early users. These scams include fake investment groups targeting novice users promising secure and fast returns.
Once a user invests, the user either loses the money or is blocked.
Users are warned against falling for the fake support account scams. Scammers create fake accounts of the Telegram support. These fake accounts send users messages with complaints or account problems. These fakes will request login and personal information.
Telegram will never request a verification code by a random message.
Giveaway and Prize Scams
When people look for Telegram groups and communities, they come across project partnerships. Scammers set up a Telegram channel claiming they are giving away the latest iPhone or offering free Bitcoin. The catch? You have to pay a small processing fee to claim your prize. After that, they block you, and you have no way to get your money back.
The scammers win, and to win even more people fall for these Telegram project partnerships.
Common WhatsApp Scams
Telegram isn’t the only platform huge scammers are collecting money. WhatsApp chat, calls, and messages are more personal because they sometimes come from random numbers.
Scams Related to One-Time Passwords
As a participant in WhatsApp groups, you have probably come across a message with the disclaimer, “do not share this code”. There is a good chance that the person who sent you that message is a scammer. They are likely to be targeting people who are new to WhatsApp.
The Family Emergency Scam
This scam is what it says on the tin. A scammer acts like a relative and requests money urgently, claiming they have no way to contact anyone and their phone is lost.
They frequently use phrases to create emotional stress such as:
– “I’m in trouble”
– “I need help now”
– “Don’t tell anyone”
These phrases create panic, and people send money without proper checks.
WhatsApp Web Login Scam
Many people use WhatsApp on their PC via whatsapp网页版登录. Scammers exploit this as well.
They send scanning QR codes. After scanning, the scammer is able to access your WhatsApp Web and read your messages, steal your private information, and get your contacts to scam them.
Fake Work Offers and Scams
Within WhatsApp and Telegram, fake job offers and work scams are rampant. Scammers advertise posts about other people making money easily like:
– “Make $500 a day from home”
– “Online typing job part time”
– “Job to like Insta posts”
Victims are supposed to pay a registration fee or provide sensitive personal information. In some instances, scammers steal the identity of their victims by collecting bank information, passport scans, ID cards, or other documents that the victims provide.
This is extremely dangerous as the identity theft can potentially create very serious problems.
Scammers on Telegram and WhatsApp
Knowing how to recognize scam behavior is the best way to keep yourself safe.
How to Detect Scam Messages
– The message has a time limit/urgency campaign like “Act now!”
– The deal looks suspiciously beneficial
– They ask for an OTP or password
– They ask for payment before giving you your “earned” money
– They ask you to click a link to an app (APK)
– They refuse to call and confirm who they are
If they’re trying to rush you, they’re trying to trap you.
How to Keep Yourself Safe on Telegram
Telegram has many cool features. You’re in control of your end of it.
Adjust Your Privacy
If you go to your settings and hide your phone number, you will reduce your chance of becoming a victim.
Don’t Join Random Groups
After telegram下载, many people get added to a group without their permission. Scammers are in random groups.
Don’t Click on Any Links
Malicious APKs are how scammers defraud people of their data. Avoid anything that is supposed to give you more privileges.
Turn On Your Two-Step Verification
This Telegram function is exceptionally important. It is a powerful way to keep hackers out of your account.
Staying Safe On WhatsApp
As WhatsApp gets more users, the number of people trying to hack accounts gets bigger too.
Do Two-Step Verification
Two Step Verification will add a second PIN to your account. Even if someone gets your OTP, your account will stay protected.
Be Safe With WhatsApp Web
Do not use whatsapp网页版登录 on other people’s devices. If someone sends you a QR code, do not scan it. You should always remember to log out of WhatsApp Web as well.
Watch Out For Messages From Unknown Numbers
Do not blindly trust someone who texts you from a number you do not recognize. If an account looks suspicious to you, do not be afraid to block them.
Ignore OTP Codes
An OTP from WhatsApp should be kept secret. If you share it with someone, you will likely lose your account.
Getting Scammed
If you think you might be getting scammed, you should not waste time.
What You Should Do
– Change the passwords to all accounts associated with the account
– Turn on two-step verification for all accounts
– If you get scammed on WhatsApp, report the account
– Alert all your friends on the contact list
– If losing money is a concern, contact your bank
– Do a malware scan
If you have a of actions to do, act quickly to limit the damage as much as you can.
Conclusion
Both Telegram and WhatsApp offer amazing services for personal and professional use. Millions of users have installed Telegram via telegram下载, and WhatsApp users rely on it via whatsapp网页版登录. Scammers take advantage of these tools to target users, and use fake investments, and OTP scams to steal hacked accounts, and access accounts remotely via phishing links.
Understanding risks is the first step to safeguard yourself. Do not share personal information with people you do not know, do not click on links you do not trust, and take full advantage of privacy and security settings.
If you have been an unwitting victim of an advance fee fraud scam and require assistance, be sure to reach out to us. Stay safe, and act before it is too late.
