Recently, WhatsApp users all around the world had to
deal with a new scam that appeared online on their favorite messaging app. As
it seems, various users received messages that convinced them they can have
free Internet without Wi-Fi. Though those who are more experienced know that
this is not technically possible, many people are tempted by this opportunity
and go for it.
First of all, the scam is quite
dumb to begin with because the only way to use WhatsApp without Wi-Fi is to
have a cellular data connection and WhatsApp cannot offer data - it's just
an app, not a provider.
Secondly, the scam is spreading
because it prompts victims to forward the message to 13 friends or five groups
on WhatsApp to activate the "free internet."
How It Works
"As usual, the message
spreads via WhatsApp groups or comes from a friend who 'recommends' the service
- often unaware of it. In this case, you receive a special invitation with a
link," explains the
WeLiveSecurity blog of antivirus and security firm ESET.
"You can already get
Internet Free Without WI-FI with Whatsapp, and it is by means of invitations,
here I give you an invitation," reads the poorly written message.
Upon clicking on the included
link, users are taken to a website mimicking the WhatsApp domain. It
detects the device's language based on the browser settings and invites users
to pass along the invitation to more people, ensuring that the scam keeps
spreading. The message also shows fake reviews from fake users, claiming to be
incredibly satisfied with this amazing offer. Those users don't even exist,
much like this "free internet" invite-only deal. Don't fall for it,
or you'll get more than you bargained for - and not in a good way.
Surprise!
Malware
After sharing the message with at
least 13 people or five groups, users who have fallen victim to this sham end
up on various sites where a number of malicious actions can wreak havoc.
According to WeLiveSecurity, such
actions range from subscriptions to premium and expensive SMS services to
installing third-party apps on the device, of course aiming to generate some
money for the scammer on the victims' expense.
Victims will see various offers,
but they obviously will not get any "free internet." The only way to
use WhatsApp to
communicate with people is to have an active internet connection, be it
cellular data or Wi-Fi, and the scam does absolutely nothing to change this
reality. At best, victims waste their time and end up disappointed that the
magical chain message didn't work. At worst, they end up with malicious
software on their phones.
How To Avoid
Such Scams
First of all, keep in mind that
any message that shows up out of the blue, poorly written and making seemingly
attractive promises are most likely fake, part of a scam. Raising awareness
regarding these scams plays a crucial role in limiting their damage and slowing
their spread rate.
If you've received this
"free internet" offer or some other dubious message that looks like a scam, warn the sender and
your friends so that they're aware it's a scam. Moreover, reporting the fraud
is also important and it's not that big of a hassle - just flag it in your
browser as you'd normally report any phishing campaign.
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