WhatsApp, the ubiquitous messaging platform that has captured the hearts and screens of over 2 billion users worldwide, has become a breeding ground for scams. The app's immense popularity, coupled with its seamless cross-platform functionality, has made it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to distribute scams to a vast audience rapidly. Unlike other messaging platforms, WhatsApp only verifies identities through phone numbers, making it easier for malicious actors to impersonate others and carry out various attacks.
Trevor Cooke, a privacy expert at EarthWeb, has shed light on 8 common scams targeting WhatsApp users and provided valuable advice on how to avoid falling victim to these nefarious schemes. One such scam is the "Mom and Dad" scam, where attackers impersonate family members, usually the victim's child, claiming they have lost their phone and urgently need money. To protect yourself from this scam, Cooke advises verifying the identity of the sender through other channels before sending any funds.
Another prevalent scam is the verification code scam, where scammers claim they accidentally received your WhatsApp verification code and ask you to share it with them. Sharing this code can grant them full access to your WhatsApp account. Cooke emphasizes the importance of never sharing these codes with anyone, even if they claim to be from WhatsApp support, as these codes are solely for your personal use to activate WhatsApp on your own devices.
Romance scammers also use WhatsApp to create fake profiles and start relationships with victims, showering them with affection and quickly professing deep feelings. Once trust is established, they fabricate emergencies and request money, share explicit photos for extortion, or gather personal information for identity theft. Cooke advises being cautious of strangers making over-the-top romantic gestures early on and verifying their identity through video calls and reverse image searches.
Investment scams are another concern on WhatsApp, where scammers promise substantial returns on investments in cryptocurrencies, forex trading, or other get-rich-quick schemes. They employ high-pressure tactics and false testimonials to lure victims into investing money in their fraudulent operations. Cooke recommends thoroughly researching any investment opportunity and the person or company offering it, checking for registered businesses, professional websites, and reviews.
The infamous "WhatsApp Gold" scam falsely claims the existence of a premium, paid version of WhatsApp with exclusive features. Scammers send links to download this "premium" version, which is actually malware designed to steal your data. Cooke reminds users that there is no paid version of WhatsApp, and any such claims are outright scams aimed at infecting your device with malware or defrauding you of money.
Lottery scams are another common tactic, where users receive messages claiming they have won an international lottery or prize but must pay upfront "fees" or "taxes" to claim the supposed winnings. Cooke emphasizes that legitimate lotteries never ask for money to award prizes and that any request for upfront payment is a telltale sign of a scam.
Gift card and coupon scams are also prevalent on WhatsApp, where fraudsters send messages offering free gift cards, coupons, or vouchers for major retailers. However, to receive them, users must share personal information or make a "shipping payment" first. Cooke advises being extremely skeptical of any unsolicited offers of free gifts or vouchers, as these are likely ploys to steal your data or money.
Lastly, malware and virus scams involve scammers sending links or attachments containing malicious code that can infect your device and give them unauthorized access to steal sensitive data. Cooke recommends never opening any links or attachments from unknown or suspicious sources and enabling security settings to automatically block such content.
NASDAQ: FB
Current Price: $229.90
Change: + $2.56 (+1.13%)
Based on technical analysis models, FB is currently in an uptrend, with a support level at $225.00 and resistance at $235.00. The 50-day moving average is below the 200-day moving average, indicating a bearish sentiment, while the MACD shows a bullish crossover. Fibonacci levels suggest potential price targets at $240.00 and $250.00. The Bollinger Bands indicate low volatility in the stock price, with the price trading near the upper band, suggesting a possible continuation of the uptrend.
