Scams no longer only take place by calling conventional or mobile phones, but also through the WhatsApp messaging application.

With increasingly creative excuses and stories, criminal groups try to convince users to deposit money with them, give them access to their data, or download malicious files and install viruses on their mobile devices.

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One of the ways this type of scam is exposed is by impersonating a WhatsApp tech support representative. Scammers hijack a user’s account and in order to get the verification code that gives them access, they tell users that if they don’t share that code, their account will be locked.

This is known as smishing, referring to texting. Criminals send a message with an active link, inviting them to enter with any excuse. Clicking on the link will start the fishing phase of the scam. That’s where the calls begin to demand the code.

Another way scammers operate is by posing as a bank representative and claiming that the user’s card has been blocked for some reason and they need the card code to verify their identity. With the code and information on the card, they can use it without arousing suspicion at the bank.

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To avoid being identified, some criminals use codes for locations such as Vietnam, Africa, Uganda, and the United States, among others. In this way, they cause intrigue when a user calls and even pose as representatives of an international company offering a job that turns out to be fake.

While some people recognize scam calls more easily, it is possible for someone to believe the scammer’s story and fall for it.

That is why we give you tips to protect yourself against these fraudulent calls.

Beware of phishing attacks. Follow these tips to avoid being scammed

Learn how to protect yourself from new scams