The Indian government and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) have issued an advisory warning people to beware of scam calls coming through WhatsApp. The numbers start with +92, the country code of Pakistan. These scam calls originate from Pakistan and other countries and are part of organised rackets. Moreover, these Whatsapp calls from international numbers even try impersonating DoT officials, claiming illegal activities, and threatening people.

The warning comes after thousands of Indian WhatsApp users have reported receiving calls from numbers like +92 300XXXX, +92 301XXXX, etc. Scam calls offering lucrative job offers, encouraging the download of Whatsapp Gold Premium in the name of an official Whatsapp account, and stealing money via QR code scans are some other common Whatsapp scams in India.

Once the call is answered, an automated pre-recorded message speaks in Hindi and asks to call back on an alternate mobile number due to poor network coverage. This technique masks the identity of the scammer and tricks people into calling back and falling into the trap.

The scammers gather personal information like Aadhaar, PAN, OTPs, and bank account details from unsuspecting people once the call is connected again. This data is then used to carry out fraudulent transactions and identity theft. Leading to major financial losses and stress for victims.

Types Of WhatsApp Scams

There are various types of WhatsApp scams that people fall for such as:

• Phishing scams: Here, the scammer sends people messages pretending to be from a legitimate company or government agency. The message usually has a link that leads to a fake website to steal people’s private information.

• WhatsApp Gold scam: Scammers send a link saying that it is for a premium version of the WhatsApp application. i.e. WhatsApp Gold which actually contains malware.

• Impersonation scams: Fraudsters pretend to be someone the target might know by cloning their profile picture and name and eventually ask for money after building trust.

• WhatsApp code scams: Here, people receive a message from someone to send a WhatsApp verification code that was accidentally sent to their number, and those who do, fall prey to the attackers.

• Lottery scams: Here, people receive a message stating that they’ve won a prize and to win it, they are asked to pay a nominal processing fee or provide their personal information.

• Fake charity scams: Scammers make use of any recent tragic event and ask for donations and charities by playing on people’s emotions.

How To Avoid WhatsApp Scam Calls?

• Be alert if any international number calls you over WhatsApp, especially starting with +92, +44, and +1. These are the codes of Pakistan, the UK, and the USA, where such scam centres are widespread.

• Do not call back on any alternate number they ask you to. No matter how authentic and urgent the reason sounds.

• Never share personal information like OTPs, passwords, Aadhaar, etc. over such phone calls or messages.

• Use the Truecaller app to identify scam numbers reported by other users and avoid picking them up.

• Notify authorities about such scam numbers so they can be blocked for others and legal action can be initiated.

What To Do After Receiving A Scam Call?

• In case you have become a victim, immediately get in touch with cybersecurity helplines.

• Also, inform your contacts and banks, and change passwords.

• The Indian government has reiterated that people should never share confidential information over phone calls or SMS over any number.

Understand how to protect yourself from suspicious messages and scams by visiting the WhatsApp website. Customers can also call the helpline at 1930 for any query.

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