Have You Been Added to a WhatsApp Group? Watch Out, It Can Be a Scam!
Have you ever found yourself suddenly added to a WhatsApp group without your consent? Beware, as it might just be a load of nonsense! In this article, we'll tell you more about this type of scam and explain how to avoid it.
WhatsApp has unfortunately become a prime platform for fraudsters looking to pull off their scams and dupe unsuspecting users. Lately, there's been a surge in complaints from users who've been involuntarily added to these groups, and it's important to recognize this as a scam and promptly exit such groups.
Scammers are getting increasingly creative in their tactics. Beyond the usual messages from unknown numbers that should raise red flags, there's now a new scheme emerging. Reports suggest that victims are being roped into groups with the promise of rewards, all to boost likes and followers on the Chinese social media giant, TikTok.
The ploy typically involves scammers instructing group members to like and follow specific TikTok accounts, with the promise of a reward in return. However, as expected, this reward never materializes. It's a clever ruse aimed at artificially inflating the popularity of certain videos on TikTok, and when questioned about payment, scammers claim it will be processed through services like MB WAY.
Despite warnings from authorities cautioning against falling for such fraudulent schemes, some users unfortunately still take the bait, inadvertently aiding scammers in their quest for likes and shares.
What to Do to Avoid Being Scammed on WhatsApp?
- Be cautious of unknown contacts: If you receive messages or invitations from unfamiliar numbers or contacts, be cautious.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to messages from unknown senders.
- If you are added to a WhatsApp group you don't know about and think it can be a scam, leave it and block the users who have invited you
- Protect your personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as banking details, passwords, or identification numbers, through WhatsApp. Legitimate organizations will not ask for such information via messaging apps.
- Enable security features, such as two-step verification, to add an extra layer of protection to your account. This can help prevent unauthorized access even if someone manages to obtain your phone number.
- Use privacy settings to control who can see your profile information, status updates, and last-seen timestamps. Limiting visibility to only your trusted contacts can help minimize the risk of being targeted by scammers.
- Stay informed about common WhatsApp scams and tactics used by scammers.