Five Types of Nigerian WhatsApp Scams You Should Know

With over a billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp has become an essential tool for communication. However, as the platform continues to grow, so do the number of scams and fraudulent activities. In recent times, scam-artists have been exploiting WhatsApp's real-time messaging feature to trick unsuspecting users into falling prey to their schemes.

According to Kaspersky, an anti-virus software company, fraudsters are now hijacking genuine conversations on WhatsApp to spread malicious links. These scammers often target users' friends and family members, making it difficult for them to distinguish between legitimate and fake messages.

Here are five types of WhatsApp scams that have been reported globally:

1. Malicious Link Scams: Scammers send fake update links to WhatsApp users, claiming they need to download a new version of the app or update their account information. Unwary users who click on these links may end up downloading malware or sharing sensitive information with scammers.

2. WhatsApp Add-on Scams: In this type of scam, fraudsters advertise fake WhatsApp add-ons or updates that promise additional features or improved functionality. However, when users sign up for these services, they may unknowingly agree to receive daily SMS deductions from their phone bill, as reported by Fin24 last year.

3. Fake WhatsApp Promotions: Scammers send messages claiming that winners of various contests or giveaways need to click on a link to claim their prize. In reality, these links are designed to steal users' personal information or infect their devices with malware.

4. WhatsApp Phishing Scams: In this type of scam, fraudsters impersonate WhatsApp support staff and ask users to provide sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card details.

5. Fake WhatsApp Accounts Scams: Scammers create fake WhatsApp accounts that appear to be legitimate, only to use them to spread spam messages or phishing links to other users.

To avoid falling prey to these scams, it's essential to remain cautious when interacting with unknown contacts on WhatsApp. Always verify the authenticity of messages and links before clicking on them, and never provide sensitive information to unsolicited requests.

Remember, while WhatsApp provides a convenient platform for communication, it also requires users to be vigilant against fraudulent activities. By staying informed about common scams and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy safe and secure messaging experience on this popular app.

Nigerian whatsapp scams