They expose a sophisticated scam on WhatsApp that leaves bank accounts without a penny; this is how the scam works.

They expose a sophisticated scam on WhatsApp that leaves bank accounts without a penny; this is how the scam works

Cybercriminals use various tactics to deceive users.

WhatsApp is a common channel for the distribution of scams, such as the latest one that has begun to become popular, a type of supposed job offer that pays in exchange for watching videos, this time from YouTube.

A message from an unknown number on WhatsApp initiates contact between cybercriminals and potential victims, who will be paid by an unnamed company in exchange for increasing the visibility of content creators on YouTube.

To do this, they are urged to ‘Like’ the videos and send a screenshot as a test to receive 3 euros for each one in exchange, being able to get between 40 and 500 euros per day.

They expose a sophisticated scam on WhatsApp that leaves bank accounts without a penny; this is how the scam works

The conversations are maintained by ‘bots’ since, as explained by the security firm ESET, "regardless of what is answered, they will send the information about these supposed job offers."

Researchers from this firm have identified that several of the numbers are registered in Indonesia, and in addition to initiating communication through WhatsApp, they have also detected that the messages are sent to rich communication services (RCS), that is, SMS applications that add formats more typical of platforms such as WhatsApp, Messenger or Telegram.

At ESET they believe that “we would be facing an intensification of campaigns that use this method to try to scam us.” And they warn that although at first they do usually pay some of the promised money, in a second phase they usually redirect the victim to a portal where they can obtain their bank details.

There is another type of this scam that has been updated to incorporate a call with which cybercriminals initiate contact to later continue in a chat and promise daily income in exchange for watching videos, which instead of YouTube may be from TikTok.

Recommendations to avoid falling into telephone scams

• Never give out personal information, such as identification document, address, bank account number or credit card code. Even if the person on the line says they work for a bank or other reputable company, it is best to end the call and contact the entity directly through their official communication channels.
• If you have suspicions about the call, it is advisable to cut off the communication as soon as possible, so as not to give the possible scammer time to react.
• Block any number that seems suspicious
• Be wary of any offer, benefit or gift offered on the call, this can be a trap.
• If the call warns of a possible theft in the bank account, a problem with a public service or a failure to subscribe to platforms such as Netflix and others. It is advisable not to provide personal information.
• Do not trust data verification calls , criminals usually use this excuse to extract data from their victims.