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A new type of WhatsApp scam is currently circulating online. What appears to be a harmless act – downloading a funny meme or image on WhatsApp – can actually be a gateway for fraudsters to compromise your entire digital life, including your bank account and private photos. This new scam relies on the common habit of sharing and downloading images on WhatsApp. Users receive an image, which may seem harmless and could be from a known contact, but upon downloading, it unleashes malware or spyware onto their mobile device. The scam’s deceptive nature lies in its ability to bypass traditional suspicions, as users are less likely to question content that appears to be a simple picture or meme.

How the new WhatsApp scam works

Users will receive a meme or image from an unknown number or their own phone contact whose phone may already be compromised. Once the user downloads the image, the malware silently installs on their phone, allowing hackers to steal their banking credentials, social media passwords, and personal photos.

The images shared by hackers often contain hidden QR codes that redirect users to phishing websites, exposing them to financial fraud. The scam spreads as users unknowingly forward infected images, making them carriers of the malware.

How to protect yourself from this WhatsApp scam

Cybersecurity experts are urging WhatsApp users to exercise extreme caution to avoid falling victim to this scam. Pranav Patil, Chief Data Scientist, AdvaRisk, told Economic Times, “In today’s world, where messaging apps are ubiquitous, scammers are increasingly turning to social engineering tactics to exploit users. The WhatsApp image download scam is a prime example. Hence, the reason why you should disable auto-downloads of any type of media files on WhatsApp. Only download images or files from sources/senders you trust.”

Key preventive measures include:

• Verify Senders: Always be suspicious of images or messages from unknown numbers. Even if it appears to be from a known contact, if the message seems unusual or out of character, verify it through another communication channel before interacting.
• Avoid Unknown Downloads: Refrain from downloading any images or attachments from suspicious or unverified sources.
• Report Scam Messages: If you receive a message that you suspect is a scam, report it to WhatsApp and block the sender immediately.

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