WhatsApp is among the most popular messaging app throughout the world. As of April 2016, WhatsApp has reported that it has a total of 1 billion users with about 42 billion messages being sent daily. Because of the number of people who use the app, it is no surprise why scammers have targeted this app to try and trick people into thinking they are requested to pay in order to subscribe to the app.
Lately, a new WhatsApp subscription scam has been making the rounds across the app. If you are frequently using this iOS app, make sure you know about the scam so you can avoid getting fooled into paying money to the scammer.
WhatsApp Subscription Scam: How Does It Work?
The subscription scam works when you receive a notification that looks like it came from an official source. The notification will contain a message instructing you to pay 0.99 GBP ($1.30) in order to continue using the app. The message already contains a link that will direct you to a payment site, which processes the payment to the scammer.
Since many do not realize that this is a scam, they have sent a payment to the scammer already. And unless you do not know the scam exists, you might think this is a real notification so you make the payment in order to continue using the app.
WhatsApp Subscription Scam: How to Protect Yourself
Considering the fact that the amount being asked is low, many users will think that it will be worth it. After all, WhatsApp will be giving them access to unlimited calls and texts. What they don’t realize though is that WhatsApp does not require you to make a payment to continue enjoying unlimited calls and texts.
So if you find yourself receiving the message, the best way you can do to protect yourself is to simply delete it right away. As with any website or app, you have to be wary about the things you are clicking on. Otherwise, you could be exposing your device to a computer virus or a scam that could potentially harm your device.
This is the best way you can protect yourself against the WhatsApp Subscription Scam.
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