Scammers have developed new tricks to take advantage of people, and WhatsApp is one of their favourite places. Because WhatsApp is so widely used, it has become a hotspot for scammers. If you ever get strange messages or offers that don’t seem right, tracking and reporting them is really important.
In this article, we have discussed why scammers use WhatsApp, how to track them and a few tips to protect yourself from scams.
Also read: How to identify phishing scams?
Why do scammers use WhatsApp?
WhatsApp’s huge popularity is a magnet for scammers, but there are several reasons behind their preference. Scammers choose WhatsApp because it helps them avoid being caught and banned. They also use it to send harmful website links since it’s easy to deceive people and steal their personal information.
WhatsApp calls are harder to trace than regular phone calls, making it a favoured tool for scammers. Additionally, scammers often use stolen phone numbers to create fake accounts, which makes it challenging for victims to identify illegitimate numbers, further aiding the scammers in their activities.
Also read: Is Android Accessibility Suite a spy app?
How to track a scammer?
Tracking a scammer on WhatsApp can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some useful tips to help identify and track a scammer:
- Collect Evidence: When you suspect someone of being a scammer, the first step is to gather evidence of their suspicious behaviour. Capture screenshots of any messages or interactions that raise suspicion and any voice recordings or other fraudulent activities.
- Reverse Image Search: Scammers often use fake profile pictures. To check if a profile picture is real, use tools like Google Images to search for the same picture on the internet and see if it’s used elsewhere.
- Check Their Phone Number: If you have the scammer’s phone number, you can use online services like Truecaller to find its origin and location.
- Use Geo Apps: Some apps say they can find a scammer’s location using their phone number, but these might not always work well, so use them carefully.
- Report on WhatsApp: Reporting scammers quickly is important to prevent others from falling for their tricks. After identifying a scammer on WhatsApp, taking action promptly is crucial.
How to report a scammer on WhatsApp?
To report a scammer on WhatsApp, follow the steps below.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap on the Menu (triple vertical dots) icon available at the top right corner of the screen, and then in the menu, tap on the Settings option.
- In settings, tap on Help.
- Tap on Contact Us.
- Write to WhatsApp that you have been scammed or someone tried to scam you, provide the number and then tap on the Next button at the bottom right corner of the screen.
The customer service will reply to you in a WhatsApp chat.
Tips to protect yourself from WhatsApp scams
Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from scams:
- Verify Contacts: Always verify a person’s identity before sharing personal or financial information. Scammers often use fake profiles.
- Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Be cautious of links sent by unknown contacts. They might lead to phishing websites or malware downloads.
- Enable Two-Step Verification: WhatsApp offers two-step verification for added security. Enable this feature to protect your account from unauthorised access.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scammer, report them to WhatsApp using the in-app reporting feature. This helps the platform take action against scammers.
Also read: Midjourney vs Stable Diffusion: What’s the difference?
