Financial regulators and the police are reporting new, highly professional fraud schemes via WhatsApp that are causing millions of dollars in damages. The perpetrators use fake trading platforms and job offers.
A massive wave of fraud via WhatsApp has authorities on high alert. The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), the police and consumer advice centers warn against new, highly professional methods. The damage runs into the millions.
Advertisement
As messenger services increasingly become the target of highly professional criminals, proactively protecting your data is more important than ever. This free guide shows you in simple step-by-step instructions how to effectively secure your Android smartphone and apps like WhatsApp. Discover 5 protective measures that can be implemented immediately
BaFin warns of investment fraud networks
Table of Contents
BaFin was forced to warn about several fraudulent networks on March 12th. These specifically recruit their victims via WhatsApp groups.
The focus is on the alleged company “VYNEX Trade”. In the groups, supposed experts share lucrative recommendations for cryptocurrencies. Trading should be carried out via the “Lirunex Trading” app. BaFin makes it clear: The operators do not have permission to provide financial services in Germany.
Also on March 12, the authority warned about the website “alijz.com” and the app “alijzspro”. Here too, the initiation takes place via WhatsApp. Perfidious: The fraudsters misuse the name of the real ALkonzept GmbH & Co. KG from Grünwald in order to feign seriousness.
Karlsruhe police report 2.5 million euros in damage
Current figures show how devastating the consequences are. The Karlsruhe police headquarters announced that damage of around 2.5 million euros was caused in their area of responsibility alone. The investigators assume that the number of unreported cases is high.
The perpetrators contact victims suddenly via private message or add them to groups without asking. They present deceptively real trading platforms and manipulated screenshots of profits. After the first deposits, they put the victims under pressure to transfer ever larger sums. The promised high winnings are never paid out.
New scam: job scamming via video identification
In addition to investment fraud, another dangerous scam is coming into focus. On March 5th, the consumer advice center issued an urgent warning against job scamming via WhatsApp. Criminals exploit job searches to open bank accounts for illegal purposes.
The pattern is always similar: a fake job advertisement is followed by a quick acceptance via WhatsApp. Before signing the contract, applicants have to verify their identity via video identification at a supposed partner bank. In fact, they are unknowingly opening a bank account in their own name. The fraudsters secure the access data and use the account for money laundering. Victims often only find out about this when reminders arrive.
Messengers are becoming the main target of attacks
The incidents show that messenger services have long been the focus of highly professional criminals. Analysts are observing a shift from classic email phishing to direct attacks via WhatsApp. The user’s inhibition threshold is often lower here.
Advertisement
Anyone thinking about switching to more private alternatives in light of increasing fraud attempts will find the support they need here. This free PDF report explains how to quickly switch to Telegram and shows how to hide your number and securely encrypt chats. Save the free Telegram guide as a PDF
To make matters worse, the accounts themselves are also under scrutiny. Dutch intelligence services warned of a global campaign on March 10th. Hackers are trying to steal the six-digit PIN codes for WhatsApp and Signal accounts from officials and journalists. They use taken over accounts for further fraud attempts in the victims’ trust network.
In response, the platforms are upgrading technology. WhatsApp introduced stricter settings in early 2026. Users can now automatically block messages from unknown contacts. Security experts welcome this, but warn: technology alone does not help against clever manipulation.
Experts recommend healthy skepticism
Experts expect the arms race to continue in the coming months. Fraudsters are increasingly relying on AI to make chatbots appear more human. This makes it harder to detect automated fraud attempts.
The most important line of defense remains user skepticism. Experts strongly advise:
* Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in Messenger settings.
* Never share six-digit verification codes.
* For lucrative financial offers via WhatsApp, consult the BaFin company database.
* Adjust privacy settings to allow only saved contacts to be added to groups.
Get the knowledge advantage of the stock professionals now.
Get the knowledge advantage of the stock professionals now.“/>
Since 2005, the trading notes newsletter has been delivering reliable stock recommendations – three times a week, directly to your inbox. 100% free. 100% expert knowledge. Simply enter your email address and from today on you won’t miss any top opportunities. Subscribe now.
For. Always. For free.
