Recently, many people have been victims of online scams in WhatsApp (WA). With the increasing popularity of WA as a means of communication, scammers have taken advantage of this platform to deceive unsuspecting users. In fact, if you already have the Markdown app installed on your phone, fraudsters can easily steal your sensitive data or login credentials.
Rise of Online Scams in WhatsApp
In the past month alone, various online scams have emerged on WA. These scams involve fake groups, links, and even invitations to join fake wedding ceremonies. In this article, we will delve into two types of online scams that have been circulating on WA.
Grup WA Shopee Penipuan (Shopee Fake Group Scam)
In mid-January, a new type of scam emerged on WA, masquerading as a Shopee group. The scammers would send out random invitations to join the group, which was supposedly run by Shopee itself.
Once you joined the group, the admin (who claimed to be from Shopee) would deceive you into believing that Shopee is currently hosting an event with prizes. To participate in this "event," you were asked to complete certain tasks, such as adding products to your cart and taking a screenshot of the checkout page.
The admin would then ask you to send the screenshot privately, promising you a commission for completing each task. As you progressed through the tasks, the scammers would keep track of your progress and eventually send you a payment (usually in small amounts) to keep you convinced that this was a legitimate activity.
But Wait… There's More!
Before you could start working on these tasks, the scammers would ask you to fill out a registration form with personal details like name, address, and bank account number. Some cases involved installing certain apps as well. By doing so, you were unknowingly providing the scammers with sensitive information that they could use to steal your money.
The Consequences
This scam has already resulted in millions of rupiah being lost by unsuspecting victims. It's essential to be vigilant and avoid falling prey to such scams.
Link Undangan Nikah Penipuan (Fake Wedding Invitation Scam)
Another type of online scam that has recently emerged on WA is the fake wedding invitation scam. Scammers send out random invitations to join a "wedding ceremony" via WA, which are actually links to download malicious APK files.
When you click on the link and install the app, your phone's data becomes vulnerable to being stolen. The scammers can then access your sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details.
****, online scams in WhatsApp are a growing concern that requires immediate attention. As users, we must be aware of these tactics and take steps to protect ourselves from falling prey to such scams.
Remember, it's always better to be cautious when receiving unexpected invitations or links on WA. If you're unsure about the authenticity of a message, don't hesitate to report it or seek help from friends and family.