WhatsApp is a popular messaging app with over 2 billion users, making it a prime target for cyber-attacks. Unfortunately, scammers often disguise themselves as friends or family members to trick users into falling for their traps. In an interview with The Sun, Brian Higgins, a security specialist at Comparitech, shared some symbolic signs of WhatsApp scams.
One of the most obvious signs of a scam is a message from an unknown number. Keeping your contact list organized can make it easier to identify these messages. Scammers may also disguise their messages as official messages. They sometimes tech support to solve problems or claim that you’ve won a prize. However, if you receive messages like these, it’s important to be cautious and to avoid clicking on any links. Also, avoid providing personal information or whatsoever.
Tips for Spotting Scammers on WhatsApp 
Tom Davidson, a senior director at security firm Lookout, also shared his top three tips for spotting scams on WhatsApp:
1. Messages from unknown contacts that try to get you to interact with you. Especially if the spelling or grammar is incorrect or sound suspicious. This also applies to messages from known contacts that seem out of character.
2. Messages that offer unsolicited giveaways, prize drawings, or discounts, even if they appear to be from a reputable brand.
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3. Messages that include clickable links that you were not expecting to receive. To stay safe, manually type the link into your browser instead of clicking on it directly.
Other Ways to Stay Safe from Scammers on WhatsApp 
In addition to these tips, it’s important to keep your phone and apps updated with the latest software patches. These updates often include security fixes that can prevent hackers from accessing your device. You should also be wary of anyone asking for personal information, even if the text appears to be from a friend.
If you do fall victim to a scam, you can kick the hacker out of your account by logging back in again. Remember to always think before you click and don’t let fear of missing out make you a victim of a scam. Also, do not keep any form of suspicious messages in your WhatsApp. Make sure you delete them as soon as possible. You do not know when you can mistakenly click on them. Some hackers are so good, they only need the message to stay on your phone for some time. So, delete such messages as soon as you come across them and stay safe.
