WhatsApp ‘Subscription Expired’ Scam Messages [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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WhatsApp, the popular messaging app used by billions of people worldwide, has become a breeding ground for scammers and cybercriminals. One of the most common scams that users encounter is the ‘Subscription Expired’ scam messages. These messages are designed to trick users into believing that their WhatsApp subscription has expired and they need to renew it immediately. In reality, these messages are nothing more than a ploy to steal personal information or install malware on the victim’s device.

Scams

How the Scam Works

The ‘Subscription Expired’ scam messages typically arrive in the form of a text message or a notification within the WhatsApp app itself. The message usually claims that the user’s subscription has expired and they need to renew it immediately to continue using the app. To make the scam appear more legitimate, scammers often use official-looking logos and branding.

Once the user clicks on the link provided in the message, they are directed to a fake website that mimics the official WhatsApp website. On this fake website, users are prompted to enter their personal information, such as their name, address, and credit card details, to renew their subscription. In some cases, the fake website may also ask users to download a file or app to complete the renewal process.

By providing their personal information or downloading the file, users unknowingly give scammers access to their sensitive data or install malware on their devices. This can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or unauthorized access to personal accounts.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim

If you have fallen victim to the ‘Subscription Expired’ scam, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage.

  1. Disconnect from the internet: If you suspect that your device has been compromised, disconnect from the internet to prevent further unauthorized access.
  2. Scan for viruses or malware: Run a scan with a reliable antivirus or anti-malware software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to detect and remove any malicious software.
  3. Change your passwords: Change the passwords for all your online accounts, including your WhatsApp account, email, and banking accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
  4. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit reports, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions or identity theft to the relevant authorities.
  5. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on your online accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to your password.

Protecting Yourself from WhatsApp Scams

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

  • Be skeptical of unsolicited messages: Be cautious of messages or notifications that claim your subscription has expired or require immediate action. Verify the information independently before taking any action.
  • Check the sender’s identity: Pay attention to the sender’s phone number or email address. Scammers often use fake or unfamiliar contact information.
  • Verify official communications: If you receive a message claiming to be from WhatsApp or any other company, verify its authenticity by visiting the official website or contacting customer support directly.
  • Keep your software up to date: Regularly update your WhatsApp app and operating system to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.
  • Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and phishing techniques. Be wary of sharing personal information or clicking on suspicious links.

Summary

WhatsApp ‘Subscription Expired’ scam messages are a common tactic used by scammers to deceive users and steal their personal information. These messages often appear legitimate and prompt users to renew their subscription by providing personal information or downloading malicious files. If you have fallen victim to such a scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself, including disconnecting from the internet, scanning for malware, changing passwords, and monitoring your accounts. To prevent falling victim to WhatsApp scams, it is important to be skeptical of unsolicited messages, verify the sender’s identity, and keep your software up to date. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of WhatsApp scams.

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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