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In recent years, a notorious scam has been making its way around the world, and it all starts with a simple message. The scammer poses as someone in trouble and asks for money after claiming to have lost their cell phone. This scam is particularly prevalent in Spain, where attackers have also been targeting victims’ WhatsApp accounts.
According to a study by Kaspersky, nearly 90% of cyberattacks target WhatsApp, making it one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world. Attackers are drawn to WhatsApp because gaining access to an account provides them with a credible connection to the victim’s friends, family, and colleagues. This connection can be used to request money or personal data that can then be used for extortion.
One of the most common types of scams targeting WhatsApp accounts is the “son in distress” scam. In this type of scam, the attacker poses as someone who is in need of help and asks for money through payment services like Bizum, PayPal or bank transfers. The vulnerability of victims in an emergency situation makes them easy targets for this type of scam.
Once attackers gain access to a WhatsApp account, they can contact the victim’s contacts and ask for money or personal information. They may even use voice synthesizers to impersonate the owner’s voice in audio messages or access graphic material sent through the account for coercion purposes.
To protect against these types of attacks, experts recommend taking additional security measures such as being cautious when sharing verification codes and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files. Keeping software and security systems up-to-date is also essential in preventing attacks from happening.
In conclusion, it is important to remain vigilant when using messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and take additional security measures to protect your account from potential cyberattacks. By doing so, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to scams that target these platforms and keep your personal information safe.
