When a brand becomes a verb, it's living proof of the impact and influence it has on our daily lives. "Googling" for example, has become synonymous with searching for information online. "Ubering", a common way to refer to hailing a ride somewhere. Similarly, "WhatsApping" has become a verb for sending instant messages and staying connected with others.
With over 2 billion users worldwide and a mind-boggling 100 billion messages sent daily, WhatsApp is clearly a leader in the world of text messaging apps. Yeyyy for WhatsApp, right? Well, yeah, as a tool to send messages, it’s great, but just like all brilliant tech tools, there are always cyber-criminals and scammers ready to exploit them for their own financial gain. The latest "Hi Mom" scam is just one example of how scammers are using WhatsApp to trick people out of their hard-earned cash.
In this article, we'll focus on the latest WhatsApp scam dubbed 'Hi Mom' - great name for a scam, horrible outcome for the victims. As per usual, we’ll equip you with tips on how to avoid it, and by the end of this article, you’ll have the tools to navigate WhatsApp safely. Let's jump right in.
WhatsApp, how it all started
Back in 2009, the world was introduced to WhatsApp. The app's user-friendly interface and the commitment to ensure secure conversations via end-to-end encryption were key factors in its extensive consumer adoption.
While initially WhatsApp was recognized as a leader in digital security, as time passed, that started becoming more and more ironic. Fast forward to today, what was once considered a stronghold of privacy and protection is now making headlines as a hunting ground for hackers and scammers.
The 'Hi Mom', WhatsApp scam
From changing diapers to nurturing growth, parenting is a journey filled with countless responsibilities and endless worries. As the kids grow older and finally leave the house, parents can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they’re children are doing well. Or are they?
Suddenly a familiar message pops up, and parental instincts kick in. It's a desperate cry for financial help, bundled with words of love and a subtle dash of guilt. Welcome to the world of the latest WhatsApp scam: the notorious "Hi Mom" scam.
Scammers have caught on to something crucial – parents' unwavering willingness to help their kids. They've learned how to exploit that unconditional love, and it's how they're preying on that vulnerability.
Here’s how it plays out
If you're a parent, you've probably heard this line countless times: "Hi mom, my bank card is busted. Can you send me (insert $ amount here) to help me out? I promise I'll pay you back." Or if you've ever found yourself on the other side of this conversation, and have been in a jam, hopefully, your parents were nice enough to bail you out. This narrative is exactly the emotional engineering these scammers use in order to reel you in. What’s even more upsetting? The scam specifically targets vulnerable groups, with women over 50 being their primary prey.
The scam kicks off when a parent receives a WhatsApp message from an individual posing as their own kid. The imposter then explains that they have a new number because something horrible happened to their phone. It fell in the toilet, broke, was stolen, got eaten by a shark, or any other imaginative excuse they believe will be a plausible explanation for a new number.
Nowadays, all of our contacts are saved on our mobile phones. If you update, replace, or erase a contact's number, you’re more than likely not able to contact them, at least not immediately. So Whatsapping “Hi mom, this is my new number, erase the old one” is a sneaky way for the scammer to assume the identity of the victim's child.
Once that first connection is formed, the scammer starts spinning a yarn of misery or an urgent crisis designed to tug at the victim's heartstrings. Next comes the plea for financial help, often asked for in the guise of gift cards or money transfers.
So while you may think the “Hi Mom” WhatsApp scam isn't directly connected to online security, it definitely is! That’s why it’s important to have security tools that keep you out of trouble before you get that scammy WhatsApp message from your “child”.
How safe are you online?
WhatsApp scams - Your guide to staying safe
The unknown message dilemma
If you receive a message from an unfamiliar sender claiming to be from a well-known organization like PayPal, here's a trick for you. Long-press the link provided and examine the web address that pops up. Does it match the official PayPal website? If not, proceed with caution and steer clear of clicking any suspicious links.
You can also copy the link to your desktop web browser, if you have Guardio’s Chrome extension installed, then it will immediately alert you if the link is fishy.
When it comes to “Hi Mom” or other social engineering scams, it’s a bit trickier. If someone messages you claiming to be your child, give them a call. If they don’t answer or claim their mic is busted, that should be a definite red flag. Try calling their “old number” or asking them personal questions. In other words, verify if the old number isn’t working and don’t immediately believe everything they say.
Nowadays, even if your phone breaks, your number stays the same. Mobile providers don’t give you a new number, at most they’ll offer you a new sim, with the same number. So whenever getting a text from an unknown number, proceed with caution.
The money mystery
It's not uncommon to receive messages asking for money from unknown numbers, claiming to be someone you know. Don't panic! To reiterate the previous point, before taking any action, play it safe. Contact the person directly to verify that it truly is them. A quick call or text can save you from becoming a victim of a sneaky scammer.
Step it up with 2-step verification
Activate WhatsApp's 2-step verification feature to add an extra layer of security to your account. Once enabled, the app will send a verification code to your default device whenever someone tries to log in from a different device. This extra step ensures that you are in control of your account and keeps unwanted intruders out.
Grammar test
Pay attention to the language used by unknown contacts. Does it sound familiar? Are there any grammar or spelling errors that seem off? Trust your instincts and be cautious if something doesn't feel right. It's better to be safe than sorry.
The urgent payment plea
Scammers often pose as representatives from banks or mobile phone providers, bombarding you with urgent payment requests. When faced with such a message, take a step back and consider its legitimacy. Reach out to your bank or service provider through their official website or phone number to verify the authenticity of the request.
Safe digital navigation
Platforms like WhatsApp are an important part of our everyday communication, but they also provide fertile ground for scams. The WhatsApp "Hi Mom" scam is just one sobering example of the lengths scammers will go to exploit trust and family ties.
The best line of defense is being aware of the dangers out there and thinking before taking any actions. Online security tools like Guardio’s Chrome extension can give you that extra layer of protection and send you essential alerts if you’re data is ever compromised. Remember, always question unexpected requests and verify where they’re coming from. Your judgment is the ultimate line of defense against scams. So, stay safe, be cautious, and continue WhatsApping securely.
