Watch Out for the Latest WhatsApp Scam
A new WhatsApp scam is causing concern among Israelis. Discover what's behind it and learn what steps to take if you've clicked the link.
Beware, a new scam is circulating through a link on WhatsApp, claiming to offer you a brand-new smartphone. However, beneath this alluring promise lies a malicious scheme with one goal: to disrupt your phone’s normal functions, sow a virus, and steal critical personal information from your device.
Tens of Israelis have received messages promising 'Come receive a gift for Valentine's Day'. Once they click the attached link, they arrive at a screen displaying 12 elegant gift boxes, enticing and inviting them to click.
Each participant gets only three tries to test their luck for winning the coveted prize—a cutting-edge Galaxy S21 smartphone.
However, most people overlook that before claiming the prize, participants are required to share the link with at least 20 of their contacts. In doing so, those orchestrating the scam continually gather more email addresses and phone numbers for their data bank. After this step, participants receive a 'Congratulations' message welcoming them, and are then prompted to wait for the application to install, which supposedly takes 30 seconds.
After this wraps up, they get a message indicating 'This promotion is valid for 500 seconds', a tactic meant to rush participants into completing the process.
According to cybersecurity firm ESET, this is an especially dangerous scam. The file participants are asked to download and run gives hackers remote access to their phone, allowing them to steal crucial information like payment card details, passwords, and more.
What should you do if you've clicked the link but didn't complete the process?
In your WhatsApp settings, access your account and click on 'Two-Step Verification'. At this stage, select to change your PIN code and the email address associated with your WhatsApp account.
