WhatsApp users: Beware of costly new scam that will put your money and data at risk

A new WhatsApp scam is attempting to defraud users out of their money, this time by targeting people who are looking for work.

The new ruse exploits the fact that many people are suffering due to the cost of living crisis and are looking for extra income or perhaps a new job. Users are then sent offers of work with enticing salaries and remote working opportunities to trick them into handing over money or personal details.

Cost of living crisis scam

The scam is exploiting vulnerable people who are desperately seeking extra income during this difficult economic climate - and it is that which makes the fraud so cruelly effective.

There are several variations of this type of scam, but one example states, as per The Express:

We are a regular online recruitment company.

There is no time limit or location limit to this, and the work is very simple.

You can do it at home, and the manager teaches you how to make money and do things. Please add WhatsApp to receive jobs.

The scams all have in common the promise of quick and easy money for doing convenient work from home, often in addition to their current job, and so it is very tempting for people who are struggling to fall for the scam.

The scams will often put pressure on people to act within a certain timeframe as there are only a limited number of jobs available.

Once a conversation is struck up with the scammer, they often ask the job seeker to pay money for work equipment or employment screening checks. They will also request individuals to provide bank details or identity documents, which can be used for other frauds.

Read more:

⋙ Millions to receive first £301 instalment of £900 cost-of-living payment

⋙ Warning as new WhatsApp scam is on the rise, here's what you need to know

Cifas fraud prevention

Cifas – the fraud prevention service in the UK – has warned users to be extra vigilant as reports of this scam appear to be on the rise. They are reminding jobseekers never to respond to adverts offering unrealistic sums of money for jobs that appear to require no effort. They also suggest that people research potential employers by doing background checks to see if they are genuine/

Amber Burridge, head of intelligence at Cifas, urged vigilance in the face of this new scam:

Always think carefully before responding to unsolicited calls, texts or emails.

Remember that challenging any requests for money or personal information could keep you safe.

If you think you’ve been the victim of fraud then you must tell your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud. Only by remaining vigilant can we begin to stop criminals from exploiting the public.

WhatsApp's owner, Meta, has also warned people to stay alert to scams and phishing, warning that people should never click suspicious links or reply to unusual emails from anonymous senders.

Read more:

⋙ From worker to teacher strikes, here's everything you can expect in the week of 13 February

Sources used:

- The Express '‘Think carefully!’: WhatsApp scam warning as dangerous offer message circulates'

- Raconteur 'CV alert: how fraudsters target jobseekers with fake adverts'