Scammers are always finding new ways to deceive people, and their latest tactic involves using international numbers to give missed or video calls to thousands of WhatsApp users. This scam is causing a lot of inconvenience to users, and it's important to be aware of it to avoid becoming a victim. In this article, we'll discuss the risks of engaging with unknown numbers and provide tips to protect yourself from these scammers.
WhatsApp Charges for Bulk Messages
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows users to send text messages, voice notes, pictures, and videos. However, for businesses looking to reach a large number of customers through WhatsApp, there is a cost for sending bulk messages.
WhatsApp charges around 30 to 50 paisa per message for bulk messages, which can add up to a significant expense for businesses that need to send out mass communications. This cost is often passed on to customers, making it less likely for businesses to use WhatsApp as a primary means of communication.
For example, a business that needs to send out 10,000 messages to its customers would have to pay between Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 for the service. This cost can quickly escalate for businesses that need to send out regular updates or promotions to their customers.
To avoid these charges, some scammers are using international numbers to send automated calls and messages to thousands of WhatsApp users. By automating calls that get disconnected in one second, scammers can avoid the charges and try to get users to engage with them by sending a message back.
Overall, while WhatsApp is a powerful communication tool for businesses, the cost of sending bulk messages can be a significant barrier. This has opened up opportunities for scammers to target unsuspecting users with automated calls and messages. It is essential for businesses to be aware of these risks and take steps to protect their customers from potential fraud.
Scammers Use Automation to Avoid Charges and Getting Blocked
Scammers are using automation tools to avoid charges and getting blocked on WhatsApp. These scammers make calls that get disconnected in one second, repeat calls to irritate users, and wait for them to send the first message. By doing this, they can send phishing messages or fraud links without getting blocked.
By automating these calls, scammers can also scan the active WhatsApp numbers that can be targeted. This means that those who answer or respond to these calls can be at risk for a tsunami of phishing and other cyber attacks in the coming days.
It's important for WhatsApp users to be aware of this scam and to not engage with unknown numbers. Users should not send the first message or click on any links from unknown numbers. Additionally, users who receive multiple calls from the same unknown number should report and block the number to prevent further scam attempts.
WhatsApp charges for sending bulk messages, which can be costly for business users. However, scammers are using automation tools to bypass these charges and scam users. Stay alert and cautious while using WhatsApp to avoid becoming a victim of this scam
In recent months, scammers have been using international numbers to give missed or video calls to thousands of WhatsApp users. While the goal of these calls is to trick users into sending a message, scammers are using automation tools to avoid charges and getting blocked.
Cyber Experts Warn About the Scam
Cyber experts have warned that scammers are using these tools to scan active WhatsApp numbers that can be targeted. By doing this, they can target specific groups of users and send phishing messages or fraud links to cheat them without getting blocked.
Furthermore, there is a potential for a tsunami of phishing and other cyber attacks in the coming days, as these scams become more sophisticated and widespread. As such, it is important for WhatsApp users to be aware of this scam and not engage with unknown numbers.
Users should not send the first message or click on any links from unknown numbers. Additionally, users who receive multiple calls from the same unknown number should report and block the number to prevent further scam attempts. By taking these precautions, users can help protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.
How to Protect Yourself
- Do not engage with unknown numbers: If you receive a call or message from an unknown number, do not respond. Engaging with scammers can lead to more targeted attacks.
- Block/report suspicious numbers: If you receive multiple calls or messages from the same unknown number, block and report the number. This will prevent the scammer from contacting you again and will help protect other potential victims.
- Do not send the first message: If you receive a missed call or message from an unknown number, do not send the first message. This could lead to the scammer sending phishing messages or fraud links.
- Do not click on links from unknown numbers: If you receive a message with a link from an unknown number, do not click on it. These links can be used to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware.
- Be cautious with business numbers: If you receive messages from business numbers, be cautious. Scammers can also use business numbers to target victims.
