WhatsApp is a globally popular messaging app with over 2 billion downloads. Like many other social networking applications, WhatsApp users also experience spam messages.
Special police agencies have lately issued a warning to WhatsApp users about a number called 852 that belongs to Hong Kong phone lines and has been linked to numerous scams.
Of course, not every call from a phone number beginning with 852 is a hoax. So, what are the most typical scams involving these 852 numbers from Hong Kong, and how can you prevent falling victim to them?
To avoid spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp, read the following article.
Scam tactics employed by 852 from Hong Kong
Spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp will use deception to appear to be a friend of the victim. A photo of a woman and a message that begins, “Hi, I haven’t heard from you in a long time,” is an increasingly popular scam on platforms like WhatsApp.
The senders frequently state that they are based in Hong Kong.
The messages, according to police, are intended to entice victims to communicate with the scammers, who are phishing for personal information and possibly dumping them into giving over money.
After all, the fraudster did include a subliminal request for a plane ticket in the message: “Due to the pandemic, I am unable to travel to Singapore.”
“The sender (typically with a ‘+62’ prefix) would claim to have changed her mobile phone number and expresses concern for the recipient’s well-being within the present Covid-19 scenario,” the police said.
To continue the chat, the recipients would be instructed to reply to a separate WhatsApp number (typically with the ‘+852’ prefix).”
The country code for Indonesia is +62. +852 is the start of a Hong Kong phone number.
Scammers also employ deception to get to know consumers before inviting them to eat and drink coffee.
Scammers are sending random Area Code 852 Scam Whatsapp messages from +63 phone numbers, stating they wish to pay potential victims a visit.
Scammers will pose as Japanese girls living in Hong Kong and inquire about their potential victims’ hometowns.
The con artists will say they are going on a business trip to the same city as their potential victims towards the end of the year and would like to meet for coffee.
What Should You Do If You Get Such Messages?
Follow 5 instructions to avoid spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp
You can report a phone number on WhatsApp
WhatsApp Business allows businesses to communicate with their consumers via the WhatsApp interface. Using the WhatsApp Business function for bulk texting or unsolicited contact is against WhatsApp’s agreements.
You should file a WhatsApp report right away if you get an unsolicited message from a business account.
Step 1: To report a WhatsApp account, click on the chat box, select the profile of the person you want to report.
Step 2:Then scroll down to the report account section.
Remember that banning numbers is just one approach to improve the security of your WhatsApp account. Report if the account has sign of spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp.
Block someone – way to avoid spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp
Blocking annoying users is one of the benefits WhatsApp equips its users. So if you see any signs of spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp block these numbers immediately.
Open a message, click on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner, and choose More > Block, you can block WhatsApp accounts.
Ignored these spam
One of the most efficient strategies to avoid being scammed is to ignore spam texts. Scammers frequently utilize the same content and tactics to deceive users. Those who are familiar with this message pattern are well aware that these spam communications are phishing attempts.
As a result, the wisest course of action is to ignore these notifications. It is the simplest way to avoid spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp.
Private personal information
Never give out personal information to spam accounts or to persons you don’t recognize. If scammers know your personal information, you will easy to receive spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp
Scammers that use the phone number 852 frequently pretend to be an old acquaintance of the victim and explain that they are stuck somewhere because of the covid 19 pandemic.
They will attempt to obtain information such as a bank account number or a user’s personal data. As a result, never send money or other personal information with somebody you don’t know.
Never click on links with questionable URLs
Clicking on URL links in spam letters is not a good idea. Scammers will insert dangerous code into these URL URLs, taking advantage of consumers’ trust.
The scammer can take bank account details, private images, or personal information if the user fills in information or allows these connections to access their phone.
Characteristics of spam on whatsApp
The simplest method to avoid getting scammed is to recognize what is spam. Spam messages on Whatsapp are actually pretty easy to spot.
We’ll show you characteristics of common spam messages and give you some tips on how to avoid spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp.
Messages that are frequently forwarded
Most WhatsApp users are aware that they may forward messages received from one person to another (for those who aren’t, long-press a message and hit the forward icon in the upper-right corner of the screen). Pay attention to this sign to advoid spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp
Instead of the single arrow that indicates an usual forwarded message, you’ll notice a double arrow sign when a message has been forwarded five times.
A little notice will also appear on the message box itself, stating that the message has been “forwarded many times.”
It’s vital to understand the difference: if a message has been forwarded more than five times, it’s either spreading like wildfire, bogus news, or something more dangerous.
Unidentified Number
You can send a message to anyone whose phone number you have on WhatsApp. That means spammers can scour the internet for contact information, purchase lists of active phone numbers on the dark web, and even hack other services that have your phone number on file, then send you an unwelcome message.
Sure, every now and then you’ll get a message from an unknown number that turns out to be a friend who’s switched phones, but the vast majority of the time, it’ll be spam.
Although it is not a failsafe method, hiding your WhatsApp status can deter some people from sending you unsolicited messages. The sender will have no way of knowing whether or not your account is active.
Scams and Questionable Links
The goal of a large portion of WhatsApp spam is to get you to click on a link in the message.
Click the link at your own risk; it will attempt to elicit your personal information, banking information, login credentials, or any other type of data that has value on the dark web.
This type of spam has been employed in a number of well-known WhatsApp scams in recent years, including:
- WhatsApp Gold: Throughout 2016, millions of users were spammed with a supposedly premium version of WhatsApp. By clicking the link and submitting a money, you would reportedly gain access to a more upscale version of WhatsApp that celebrities use.
- Expiration of WhatsApp: This is a common WhatsApp scam. A notification will appear stating that your WhatsApp account has expired and that you must pay to revive it. Remember that WhatsApp never charges you to download the app, and once you’re up and running, you won’t see any new charges on your account.
- Shopping Vouchers: One of the most prevalent WhatsApp scams is receiving a message promising $250 in high-street shopping vouchers in exchange for completing a survey. In practice, the only thing you’ll get in return for your efforts is your identity being stolen.
WhatsApp scam
Use of Specific Words
Spam frequently employs the same general tricks to deceive you. There are five frequent forms of phrasing in messages that you should be cautious of, according to WhatsApp’s own literature:
- There may be misspellings or grammatical errors.
- Requesting that you touch on a link or use a link to enable new features.
- Requesting personal information from you, such as credit card or bank account numbers, birth dates, and passwords.
- I’m requesting that you forward a message.
- It is claimed that you must pay to utilize WhatsApp.
If you receive a communication that meets one of the criteria, delete it as soon as possible to avoid spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp.
The information about avoiding spams coming from country code 852 on WhatsApp presented on this article. Hopefully, after reading this post, you have a better grasp of scams and how to avoid them.
Learn more about how to block a WhatsApp account by reading this article Blocking a contact in WhatsApp
