WhatsApp Scam: Don’t Share This Message!

With WhatsApp scam Users have to expect this at any time. Only recently did a scam spread again in which criminals reported themselves in the name of an alleged law firm and lured their victims with over 50,000 euros.

WhatsApp fraud: Consumer protection warns about this

According to the Brandenburg consumer advice center, the fraudsters initially use letters that appear deceptively real for the aforementioned WhatsApp scam, some of which are sent by letter. In it, for example, they claim that you have become the victim of a scam involving cryptocurrencies or competitions. You would be entitled to several thousand euros in compensation – but only if you identify yourself first.

Contact should be made via messenger, among other things. Particularly perfidious: In the current case, the perpetrators pose as employees of a Swiss law firm. At first glance, this identity appears serious and is specifically chosen to build trust. Anyone who accepts this and sends identification documents via photo or video gives the criminals everything they need for identity theft.

Topaktuell

This is how criminals misuse your ID data

With a picture of your ID card, you can open bank accounts, conclude contracts or make online purchases in your name. The fraudsters use your identity for transactions that you never did yourself – with potentially serious consequences.

The consumer advice center emphasizes that this WhatsApp scam is not new. In the past, perpetrators have tried to obtain ID data via video chats or fake job offers. The only new thing is the disguise as a Swiss law firm – another example of how flexible and inventive criminals are when choosing their methods.

To protect yourself, you should never respond to requests for identification via WhatsApp – especially if they come from alleged law firms or crypto platforms. If in doubt: ask the official authorities directly and do not send any personal documents unsecured.

Sources: Brandenburg Consumer Center