Source: Techthirsty
It started with a flurry of WhatsApp calls from an unknown number at 6:30 a.m. The persistent ringing prompted me to check my phone, and to my surprise, the profile display picture showed a familiar face—someone I knew with a matching name. I tried calling back but couldn’t hear the person on the other end, assuming it was a network issue. We switched to chatting instead.
As we conversed, the person engaged me in small talk, which initially seemed harmless. However, things turned suspicious when they sent a picture of another lady, claiming it was them. I was startled when I recognised the face of the person they claimed to be. That’s when my doubts began to creep in.
My suspicions were confirmed when the person asked for money. I quickly checked the number on Truecaller and discovered it belonged to a man named ‘Mr. Adebayo Admin Officer,’ not the initial name ‘Hafsat Usman Bappah’ they had used.
Unfortunately, my experience is not unique. Many people have faced similar encounters, with some falling prey to these scammers. According to an article by Opeyemi, the rise of internet scams, particularly on WhatsApp, is alarming. Research reveals that scammers use linguistic techniques to entice victims, with sharing testimonies being a key tactic to establish trust.
Understanding these tactics can help individuals protect themselves from scams. For instance, Fawziyyat Yusuf Itopa, a victim whose picture was used by scammers, shared her harrowing experience. On October 19, 2024, she received numerous messages and calls from concerned friends and acquaintances, informing her that someone was using her picture and name on WhatsApp to scam people.
The scammer had created an account with an unknown number, uploaded Fawziyyat’s profile photo, and set her name as their display name. They then started messaging people from her contact list, pretending to be her and asking for money. Thankfully, Fawziyyat’s contacts were suspicious enough not to send any money. However, it’s alarming to think about how many people might have fallen for the scam if they had trusted the fake account.
Conversation between the scammer and one of Fawziyyat’s friends
Different kinds of scams have been going on on WhatsApp, from the WhatsApp Gold scam, which is designed to trick users into visiting malicious websites or downloading malware-laden software. The users are lured with promises of an upgraded, more premium version of WhatsApp, but it’s a hoax. Then came the job offer scams on the same Whatsapp, which most times look real and are hard to ignore. These instances and others are all designed to deceive and exploit unsuspecting users.
Red Flags to Watch Out For:
Looking back, there were several red flags that I should have noticed earlier:
- Urgency: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to prompt you into acting impulsively.
- Unrecognised Number: Be wary of messages from unknown numbers, especially those claiming to represent reputable institutions or persons.
The Sneaky Ways Scammers Get Your Contact Info
Have you ever wondered how scammers manage to get their hands on your contact information? Tech Cult mentioned that scammers have devised clever tactics to track you down. According to them, here are five ways they might be able to get your contact info:
- Via Already Saved Phone Number: If someone already has your phone number saved, they can easily find you on WhatsApp.
- Through QR Code: Be cautious when sharing your QR code, as scammers can use it to find your WhatsApp account.
- From Common WhatsApp Groups: If you’re in a group with a scammer, they can easily save your contact information.
- Scammers Can Find You Across Social Media Platforms: In today’s digital age, many people have a presence on multiple social media platforms. This makes it easy for scammers to find your information across different sites. If you’ve been contacted by someone you’ve seen on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms, they may have obtained your phone number from your profile on one of those sites if you have made your number visible.
- With the Help of Your Friends: Mutual friends can inadvertently share your contact information with scammers.
Furthermore, the inadvertent sharing of your contact information can occur through various channels, including misplaced documents or forms completed with your details. These seemingly harmless actions can inadvertently provide scammers access to your contact information, making you a potential target for fraudulent activities.
Protect yourself from online scams by remembering these tips:
- Verify Sender Information: Check the sender’s number and profile picture to ensure they match what they represent.
- Be Cautious of Urgent Messages: Take a step back and assess the situation before responding to messages that create a sense of urgency, even from known numbers, because people’s WhatsApp gets hacked.
- Never Share Personal Information: Be cautious when sharing personal information online.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication: To add an extra layer of security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your WhatsApp account.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Inform the person being impersonated, If known, and report the incident to WhatsApp.
- Be wary of offers that appear too good (or bad) to be true: This is a common saying for a reason. To trick victims, scammers frequently entice them with unbelievable bargains or promises of exorbitant profits.
- Beware of high-pressure tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to get you to make a decision quickly without thinking it through. They may create a sense of urgency or make you feel like you’re missing out if you don’t act immediately.
- Trust your gut: If something feels off about an offer, trust your instincts and walk away. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
By following these simple guidelines and staying informed about common scams, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of digital fraud.
