Cybercriminals are now exploiting the ability to send functional external links on WhatsApp to lure victims into providing their personal details and even bank details. One new WhatsApp scam called “Rediroff.com” or “Rediroff.ru” came to light to trick victims by sending a link on the platform owned by Meta.
According to a report by CNBC, scammers send a link to WhatsApp users, claiming that users can earn a reward by filling out a simple survey. After a user answers the questions, he is redirected to a website where he is asked to fill in confidential information such as name, age, address, bank information and others personal data.
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The website collects sensitive information from users such as IP address, device name and other personal details such as name, age, address etc. These details can be misused to make fraudulent transactions or other illegal activities.
Another scam that is currently active on WhatsApp involves victims receiving messages from cybercriminals saying “sorry, I didn't recognize you” or “may I know who you are”. The scammer strikes up a conversation with them and even offers compliments to make users feel better and gain their trust – after which the scammer manipulates them into revealing their personal details. These details can be used later by malefactors in various ways.
If you have been receiving similar text messages lately, here are some tips to avoid getting scammed on WhatsApp.
Ignorance is a bliss. Literally! If you are unable to verify the origin of the received message, avoid clicking on the link, however tempting it may seem. Block or report the number you received the message from.
Installing a mobile security solution (antivirus for smartphones) can also be a good investment, as prevents threats even when you are installing third-party software, browsing the Internet or downloading a file.
Some of these messages even use bad grammar and poor sentence formation, which is clearly a red flag. However, this will not always be the case, as scammers can disguise themselves as employees of large companies.
Finally, report and block. Remember that it is better to inform and block these numbers instead of clicking on the link, even out of curiosity.