WhatsApp shows you a series of missed calls? Then be careful. Because you shouldn’t call back unknown numbers – for this reason.
You shouldn’t blindly call back unknown numbers on WhatsApp either. (Source: igamesnews)
- There are increasing reports online of WhatsApp users who are increasingly receiving calls from unknown foreign numbers.
- The calls currently come primarily from Brazil, India, Vietnam, Nigeria and Iran.
- There is probably an attempted fraud behind this. The goal is still unclear.
Anyone who uses WhatsApp is currently receiving calls from unknown foreign numbers. These often have the following country codes:
- +227 (Niger)
- +234 (Nigeria)
- +84 (Vietnam)
- +60 (Malaysia)
- +62 (Indonesia)
- +212 (Morocco)
- +91 (If)
- +98 (Iran)
- +92 (Pakistan)
- +55 (Brazil)
Apparently a new scam
Numbers from India in particular are currently very active according to search queries on Google Trends. Apparently this is a form of attempted fraud. Because the callers use the already familiar ping call technology. They ring your phone briefly, then immediately hang up and try to get you to call back.
The unknown callers try to get in touch with you on WhatsApp via both voice calls and video calls, as if from one place Reddit-Thread Affected person from summer 2023.
Goals unclear
It is currently unclear exactly what goals they are pursuing and how they are trying to trick you. Because you don’t pay any fees for WhatsApp calls abroad, which is how money is actually made with the ping call scam. Here the cybercriminals use foreign area codes that are similar to German area codes and earn money from the fees for international calls.
The criminals may try to take over your account using tax codes hidden in the number. We therefore strongly advise you not to call back unknown numbers. It doesn’t matter whether they contact you via WhatsApp or another messenger.
This is how you protect yourself from the calls
If you are annoyed by the constant calls, you should activate a new function in Messenger. This mutes calls from unknown numbers. You will still see these in your call list, but you will not be notified of them when they arrive. The feature has been available since June 2023.
Another scam that you should currently beware of on Messenger is fraudulent job offers. In the linked article we will tell you how to recognize them.
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