Have You Come Across the WhatsApp Lifetime Subscription Scam?

WhatsApp, one of the most popular communication apps is again in news due to targets of internet crooks, who are trying to fool users by sending fake messages. If you have not come across this message, let me explain what is WhatsApp lifetime subscription scam, so that you do not become a victim.  The circulated message says “Your subscription has expired. To verify your account and purchase a lifetime subscription for just 99p simply tap on this link’.

Once you click on the link, you will be directed to a phishing page to steal your banking & credit card information.  This is a clever move of scammers as previously, WhatsApp used to charge its users 99p per year. However, later the service became free. So many people might think it as a genuine message and purchase the subscription paying the nominal fees. Once you enter the financial and login details, your entire information will be captured by hackers who can misuse them as per their requirements.

What should you do if you receive these type of SMS?

• Before you take any action based on this message, you should check the app developer’s website, if there is any such type of updation. WhatsApp has a website by the name of WhatsApp web where you can find if there has been any announcement.
• If any of your known contacts has sent you this message, advise him or her to block the sender and not to forward the message to anyone else. This is a good step to paralyze the circulation of the fake message.
• Check with your friends whenever you receive this type of message that if any of your mates have received similar messages.

Useful Safety Tips When Using WhatsApp

• By default, your WhatsApp profile which includes your name, profile picture, status and contact number, is set to public. This means that anyone who has your WhatsApp number can easily check your information and can even download your profile picture. So you need to change the profile settings and make it to “Contacts only”.

• In case you lose your mobile phone, then it is important to get a replacement SIM and activate WhatsApp through this SIM. Since the app can only be used on one device, the WhatsApp on your lost phone will be automatically deactivated.

• Make sure you have activated the 2 Factor Authentication on your WhatsApp since it adds an additional layer of security to your personal information. To do this go to Menu > Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable. You can set a security PIN of your choice here. Read more here- WhatsApp Two-Step Verification.

• WhatsApp backs up your WhatsApp data on Google Drive or iCloud depending on your mobile phone. In case you feel that the information you share on the WhatsApp is highly sensitive, then you need to disable the cloud backup.

• It is important to hide your WhatsApp pictures from your phone picture gallery. Why? Certainly, you don’t want anyone or your friends to see your personal pictures that you have shared with your loved ones over the chat.

• Many of the WhatsApp users simply forward a message to all their contacts and chats. This means that the message is shared with everyone including those to whom you have replied just once. It is better to create a broadcast list of the contacts to whom you wish to forward the message.

• Make sure your WhatsApp notifications are hidden from the phone screen when it is locked. If this is not done then anyone can read your WhatsApp messages even if it is locked. You can hide the notifications from your phone’s Settings options.

• In case you have sent a message to someone by mistake, or want to remove a message from a chat, then simply Tap, Hold the message and select ‘delete for everyone’.

WhatsApp has nowadays become a prime mode of marketing and often companies target users with promotional offers and discounts. However, you should be intelligent enough to judge between promotional message and a spam message. Whenever you receive any promo message just go to the brand website typing the link manually and check the authenticity. You can also contact the customer care if they have to confirm the mentioned discount.

Note- This blog post has been republished with the latest facts and statistics.