WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that has around 2 billion active users in the world. Meta keeps coming up with new features to make the app attractive and engaging for the users. Its mass use means people prefer it over any other app like Snapchat, Telegram, or Meta's own Messenger. Every professional, doctor, lawyer, psychologist, architect, and others love using it because of its convenience. But this wide use has meant a big field where cybercriminals are highly active and target every group of people. So yes, if you are asking do scammers use WhatsApp, the answer is they do. Here in this article, let's discuss architects in particular on what makes them a hot favorite target of WhatsApp scammers. We'll list the pointers that can help them identify scams on WhatsApp and tackle them smartly so as not to fall into any trap or lose money.
Unexpected or a Sudden Message from Someone Unknown
A message might suddenly pop up in your inbox. The fraudster might claim that your architect firm or personal bank account needs to be re-verified as a routine process to keep it active. This is a red flag. Avoid such messages and report them as spam.
Example: "Hi, to keep your account active, regular data updating is needed. For this, you need to verify your banking information immediately lest the account will be deactivated."
There will be no WhatsApp scammer pictures flashed by your phone to help you identify the criminals. Your safety will come from the steps you take to be safe on your messaging app. There is no definite way to know how to track a scammer on WhatsApp but there are excellent resources that can help you stay alert and handle a scammer smartly in case you come across one. Go through the detailed list https://moonlock.com/whatsapp-scams to have a better understanding of how scams work and what you can do to safeguard yourself and your architect job or design firm. It’s not you alone that’s at risk. Your entire reputation and business are at risk if you let your guard down and are not cyber-smart.
Urgency in Communication
It's a common tactic cyber criminals use. They try to put you in a sense of urgency to not let you think about what's going on and, in the meantime, push you to take their desired action. If someone gives you a tight deadline for sharing money or information that you for a moment feel odd, get alert. Avoid it.
Urgent Requests for Money or your Personal Information
Requests for financial information could ask you for OTP (one time password) or tell you to click on a payment link. This is certainly a fraud that you need to be aware of and avoid. The fraudster will usually act as a friend or a relative who needs immediate financial help because they are in a desperate situation.
Example: “Hey, it’s Jim! Really sorry to bother you at this odd hour, but I’ve met with an accident, got my car towed — messaging on a passerby’s — and I need some help right away. Can you please e-transfer me $1000 on this link?”
Inconsistent Stories or Strange Requests
There will always be glaring logical flaws in WhatsApp messages that cybercriminals will send to you. They send long or series of messages telling a film-like story with some money factor in it so that you are tempted to read and reply or click on a link.
Example: Initially, the scammer would say he is from South Africa, is a runaway politician with $100 million, and wants to invest in your country and your architect profile suits this best. Later on, they will end up saying something like he is in Nigeria for business and someone from his company will meet at XYZ airport hotel.
Example: “We are offering you a 60% off discount code! Purchase in the next 30 minutes to redeem this discount!”
Links in WhatsApp Messages
Now you have many reasons why do scammers use WhatsApp, let’s explore even more. So, the message would be something like you've been selected for a job at the top architect firm in Dubai. Apply now by clicking on this link. Criminals often pull-out phone numbers and data from job sites and LinkedIn to lure you into a job offer. Beware of that.
Example: "Congratulations! Your CV has been selected to work with ABC Architects, Abu Dhabi. Click here to apply now."
Image Credit: Freepik
Basic-level Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
Genuine people and companies send carefully crafted messages to the recipients. The scammers almost always send messages that are full of errors in terms of grammar and spelling. You may say the English level is below par.
Example: “Hey Mike, we received your job applying and think you are an architect candidete that employers love. are you still want to work?”
Pressure to Share Personal Details
Scammers mostly pull out your details from online sources so expect them to know a bit about you. They might use a picture of an attractive woman posing as an architect and express her keenness to befriend you. She will initially ask for a lot of general things about you and then slowly get to sensitive personal and banking information via WhatsApp.
Example: A scammer posing as the leading architect at a top firm in NYC asks you to be her friend while telling a sobbing story or maybe praising you to the hilt for your looks and architect profession.
Conclusion
There is no WhatsApp scammer list you can just go through and protect your digital identity and money. To safeguard yourself on this popular messaging app, you have to develop intelligence to identify the common scams and then use ideas to thwart them. The online world is full of scams and frauds and architects are hot targets because of the nature of their work. So, keeping yourself safe is a challenge where you play the main role in protecting yourself and creating optimal security on your devices which carry a lot of customer data, architectural plans and details, and finance data. All the above points aim to provide you with guidance to protect you from WhatsApp scammers. Stay alert and be safe.
