Paying for YouTube likes? These are the new WhatsApp scams in Mexico

WhatsApp has become one of the most important messaging and communication platforms in Mexico and the world, as both companies and users use it daily; however, this has opened the door for different people or organizations to use this channel to carry out scams.

Recently, thousands of internet users in Mexico and around the world reported receiving a series of suspicious messages on the platform from unknown numbers with international area codes. These messages mostly appear to be job offers for relatively simple tasks, but in reality, they conceal intentions to steal money and scam the victim.

New WhatsApp scams in Mexico promise easy money

It all started a couple of days ago when several Mexican users began reporting on social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook that they had received messages from numbers with area codes from South Africa , the Philippines , and other foreign countries. In these messages, users began receiving job offers that involved liking YouTube videos , taking screenshots, and sending the evidence in exchange for money. According to the scammers, this was supposed to be a part-time job.

However, the job offers weren't exclusive to the video platform; they also offered vacancies at companies like Amazon, or by asking users to leave positive hotel reviews on their platforms. After noticing user interest, the scammers' modus operandi consisted of asking for an extra sum of money as a form of "investment" to unlock more levels and thus earn higher incomes. Once they had this money, the scammers would block the users' contact and disappear completely.

Cyber ​​fraud continues to grow

Mexico continues to be a frequent target of scams, both on online platforms and through messaging apps. According to recent data, WhatsApp scams have increased by 61% since the start of the pandemic, affecting thousands of users across the country. Therefore, the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users (CONDUSEF) shares some essential tips for acting quickly against these cyber threats:

• If you receive any suspicious messages via WhatsApp asking you to join or register for a program to receive money, be suspicious immediately and block the number.
• Try not to share it with your contacts.
• Report any suspicions to the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection through their email: ceac@sspc.gob.mx.
• Cyberattacks in Mexico City can be reported to the Mexico City Cyber ​​Police through their official Twitter account @SSC_CDMX, or via email at policia.cibernetica@ssp.cdmx.gob.mx.

Cybersecurity: a latent concern among Mexicans

We are increasingly seeing internet users in Mexico paying closer attention to cyberattacks that aim to steal their personal information or defraud them financially. It's no surprise that cybersecurity is becoming a priority for both businesses and users; 56% of Mexican digital consumers already verify shopping websites to prevent fraud, while 46% of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises have already implemented security systems.

56% of online consumers already verify eCommerce URLs to prevent fraud

In this regard, while it is true that some population groups remain highly vulnerable to scams via WhatsApp or other channels, the promotion of digital and technological education indicates a growing interest in protecting oneself against these attacks. Over time, it will be crucial for both private and public institutions to develop initiatives that provide the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure users' digital protection.

This article was originally published on “ marketing4ecommerce.mx ”. You can read the original article here.