Paying for YouTube likes? These are the new WhatsApp scams in Mexico
WhatsApp It has become one of the most important messaging and communications platforms in Mexico and the world, since both companies , the users We 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 a series of suspicious messages on the platform, originating from unknown numbers with international area codes. These messages are, for the most part, job offers They appear to be relatively simple jobs, but in reality, they hide 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 various Mexican users began reporting on social networks like Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook that they received messages from numbers with the area code of South Africa, Philippinesand other foreign countries. In these messages, users began receiving job offers that consisted of liking videos on YouTube, take a screenshot and send the evidence in exchange for a sum of money, which would represent a supposed part-time job, according to the scammers.
However, the job offers weren't exclusive to the video platform; they also offered vacancies at companies like Amazon, or by posting positive hotel reviews on their platforms. After noticing user interest, the scammers' modus operandi consisted of asking them for a extra sum of moneyas a form of "investment" to unlock more levels and thus earn higher income. Once they obtain this money, the scammers would block users' contact and disappear completely.
Cyber fraud continues to grow
Mexico continues to be a country frequently targeted by scams, both on online platforms and through messaging apps. According to recent information, the WhatsApp scams increased by 61%. Since the arrival of the pandemic, this has harmed thousands of users in the country. Therefore, the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users shares some essential tips to act 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, given that 56% of consumers Mexican digital experts are already verifying shopping websites to prevent fraud, while 46% of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises It has already incorporated security systems.
56% of online consumers already verify eCommerce URLs to prevent fraud
In this sense, while it is true that some population sectors are still very exposed to being victims of scams via WhatsApp or other channels, the promotion of the digital and technological education This suggests a growing interest in protecting against these attacks. Over time, it will be important for both private and public institutions to develop initiatives that provide the tools and knowledge necessary to guarantee the digital protection of users.
This article was originally published in “marketing4ecommerce.mxYou can read the original article. here.
