Fake WhatsApp ‘New Voice Message’ Email Scam [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scammers are constantly finding new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals and steal their personal information or money. One such scam that has been on the rise recently is the fake WhatsApp ‘New Voice Message’ email scam. This scam targets WhatsApp users by sending them an email notification that appears to be from WhatsApp, claiming that they have received a new voice message. However, this email is not from WhatsApp and is instead a clever ploy to trick users into clicking on malicious links or providing their personal information.

Scams

How the Scam Works

The fake WhatsApp ‘New Voice Message’ email scam works by exploiting the trust that users have in the WhatsApp platform. The scammers send an email to the user’s inbox, which appears to be from WhatsApp and includes the WhatsApp logo and branding. The email typically contains a subject line that says something like “New Voice Message” or “You have a new voice message.”

When the user opens the email, they are presented with a message that says they have received a new voice message on WhatsApp. The email also includes a button or link that the user is instructed to click on in order to listen to the message. However, clicking on this link or button will not play a voice message, but instead, it will redirect the user to a malicious website or download malware onto their device.

Examples of Fake WhatsApp ‘New Voice Message’ Emails

Here are a few examples of what these fake WhatsApp ‘New Voice Message’ emails may look like:

  • Subject: New Voice Message
  • From: WhatsApp <no-reply@whatsapp.com>
  • Message: You have received a new voice message on WhatsApp. Click here to listen to it.
  • Subject: You have a new voice message
  • From: WhatsApp <no-reply@whatsapp.com>
  • Message: Hi, you have received a new voice message on WhatsApp. Tap here to listen to it.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim

If you have fallen victim to the fake WhatsApp ‘New Voice Message’ email scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your personal information. Here are the steps you should take:

  1. Do not click on any links or download any attachments from the email.
  2. Delete the email from your inbox and trash folder.
  3. Scan your device for viruses or malware using a reputable antivirus software like Malwarebytes Free.
  4. Change your WhatsApp password to ensure that your account is secure.
  5. Report the scam to WhatsApp by forwarding the email to their support team at support@whatsapp.com.
  6. Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity.

How to Protect Yourself from Email Scams

While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of falling victim to email scams, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:

  • Be cautious of emails that ask you to click on links or download attachments, especially if they are from unknown senders or contain suspicious content.
  • Verify the sender’s email address and check for any spelling or grammatical errors in the email.
  • Never provide personal or financial information in response to an email request.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your email and other online accounts to add an extra layer of security.
  • Regularly update your antivirus software and run scans on your devices.

Summary

The fake WhatsApp ‘New Voice Message’ email scam is a growing threat that targets WhatsApp users by tricking them into clicking on malicious links or providing their personal information. To protect yourself, it is important to be cautious of suspicious emails, avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading attachments, and regularly update your antivirus software. If you have fallen victim to this scam, take immediate action by deleting the email, scanning your device for malware, changing your WhatsApp password, and reporting the scam to WhatsApp. By staying vigilant and following these steps, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to email scams and protect your personal information.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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