Show No Mercy to Scammers
In this digital age, scammers (cyber scams and frauds) have found new ways to cheat innocent people out of their hard-earned money. With the advent of social media and e-commerce platforms, scammers have become more sophisticated in their approach, making it difficult for people to identify them. In this article, we will discuss a friend’s experience with scammers using keywords like scammers on WhatsApp, Indian scammers, and what scammers can do with your phone number.
Scammers on WhatsApp:
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps used by people worldwide. However, scammers have found ways to use it for their nefarious activities. They use WhatsApp to reach out to people and dupe them into giving away their personal information or money. The scammers usually pose as friends or family members and create a sense of urgency to get people to act fast.
In the case of my friend, he received a message from someone claiming to be defense personnel who wanted to buy his garden pot stands. To gain his trust, the scammer pretended to be interested in buying the product and offered to pay an advance. He then asked for a UPI payment option and sent a QR code for payment. My friend, in his excitement to receive the order, scanned the code and entered his PIN, leading to a loss of Rs. 10,000.
Indian scammers:
India has become a hub for scammers due to the large number of people who use smartphones and the internet. According to reports, at least 125 people in India fall victim to scammers every month who pose as army/defense personnel on e-commerce platforms like OLX India, Quikr, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. These scammers use the trust people have in defense personnel to dupe them into parting with their money or personal information.
In my friend’s case, the scammer pretended to be defense personnel to gain his trust and convinced him to make the payment without verifying the details. It is essential to remember that not everyone who claims to be from the defense forces is genuine, and it is essential to verify their credentials before engaging with them.
What can scammers do with your phone number?
Scammers can use your phone number for various fraudulent activities. They can use it to send phishing messages, dupe you into revealing your personal information, and even use it to conduct identity theft. Once they have access to your phone number, scammers can use it to gain access to your other accounts, which may be linked to it.
In my friend’s case, the scammer used his phone number to dupe him into making the payment. They also used it to block him from contacting them after the payment was made, leaving him with no way to retrieve his money.
How to protect yourself from scammers?
To protect yourself from scammers, it is essential to be aware of their tactics and to stay vigilant. Here are some ways you can protect yourself from scammers:
- Verify the credentials of the person before engaging with them.
- Don’t make any payments without verifying the details.
- Be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency.
- Never share your personal information with anyone.
- Be cautious of links and attachments sent via messages or emails.
- Use two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Outsmarting the SCAMMERS!
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their approach, making it challenging for people to identify them. It is essential to be aware of their tactics and to stay vigilant to protect yourself from falling prey to their fraudulent activities. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can protect yourself from scammers and prevent them from duping you out of your hard-earned money. Remember, prevention is better than cure, and it is always better to be alert to such calls and messages.
Let’s pledge today to Outsmart Scammers.
