WhatsApp Scams on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself from Cyberattacks

In recent years, a scam targeting the WhatsApp accounts of individuals in trouble has become increasingly common in Spain. This scam typically begins with a message asking for money after a victim claims to have lost their cell phone and is in need of assistance from a new number.

Research by Kaspersky reveals that almost 90% of cyberattacks target WhatsApp, making it the most popular messaging application in the world. Attackers are drawn to this platform because gaining access to an account provides them with a credible connection to the victim’s friends, family, and colleagues. This credibility can be used to request money, personal data, or photos that can then be used for extortion.

One common tactic used in this scam is to ask for payment through services like Bizum, PayPal, or bank transfers. Attackers take advantage of the victim’s vulnerability in an emergency situation to convince them to send money quickly. Once attackers have control of a WhatsApp account, they can contact the victim’s contacts and request money or personal information. They may even use voice synthesizers to imitate the owner’s voice in audio messages.

To protect their accounts from cyberattacks, users should be cautious when sharing verification codes and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files. It is also important to keep software and security systems up to date regularly. By staying vigilant and following these precautions, users can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to scams targeting their WhatsApp accounts.