Beware the Devious Wpme.cc Scam Stealing Money and Data
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
The internet can be a dangerous place, filled with scams and fraudulent schemes trying to separate unsuspecting victims from their money and personal information. One such scam, dubbed the “Wpme.cc scam,” has recently emerged as a cunning threat, exploiting trust in familiar brands and close relationships to defraud countless users worldwide. This article will take an in-depth look at how the intricate Wpme.cc scam operates, providing the awareness needed to avoid becoming another victim.
This Article Contains:
Overview of the Wpme.cc Scam
The Wpme.cc scam is a fraudulent campaign disguised as a link shortening service. In reality, it is an elaborate trap set to steal personal and financial information from victims through deceptive promises and redirects.
This scam typically begins with a message sent via WhatsApp, appearing to come from a known contact. The message contains a shortened link and mentions an enticing prize, like free Amazon gift cards or cash giveaways. If clicked, the link redirects to the Wpme.cc website, which uses JavaScript and geolocation to determine if the user is on a mobile device before redirecting them again.
Victims are eventually taken to a page promising prizes for completing a “short survey.” After answering a few questions, they are congratulated for “winning” and told to share the link with their WhatsApp contacts to claim their reward. Upon sharing, they are prompted to enter personal information and credit card details to cover “delivery fees.” In reality, this hands their data directly to scammers who steal their money through recurring subscription fees.
This scam is incredibly devious, preying on familiar brands and relationships to trick users into compromising themselves. The following sections will break down exactly how this scam ensnares victims at every step of the process.
How the Wpme.cc Scam Works to Deceive and Defraud Victims
The Wpme.cc scam is a complicated operation designed to mislead victims through each step of the process. Here is an in-depth look at how it works:
The Initial Bait
The scam typically starts with a message received on WhatsApp, appearing to come from a known contact. The message is short, mentioning an alluring prize and including a shortened link, for example:
“Hey! I won a $500 Amazon Gift Card from this link: wpme.cc/amazongift500. Thought you might want to try it too!”
The source appears familiar, so there is an inherent level of trust. Combined with the prospect of free rewards, this message baits victims into clicking the link.
The Wpme.cc Redirect
When clicked, the shortened link redirects to Wpme.cc. This website relies on two main technical tricks to determine where to send visitors next:
JavaScript Device Detection
Wpme.cc runs JavaScript code to detect details about the accessing device, mainly checking if it is a mobile phone or tablet versus a desktop computer.
IP Geolocation
The site also approximates the user’s location based on their IP address.
Together, this allows Wpme.cc to redirect mobile and desktop users differently.
Mobile Redirects
If accessed on a mobile device within certain target regions, victims are redirected to a page optimized for small screens. This page presents an offer tailored to the recipient’s apparent location.
For example, a user in the USA may see:
“Amazon is giving away $500 gift cards to select users for product feedback. Take this short anonymous survey to see if you qualify!”
Meanwhile, a user in the UK may see:
“Congratulations! Amazon has chosen you to win a £350 gift voucher for being an active customer. Just take this quick survey to claim your prize!”
The scam adjusts to seem familiar in each region, increasing credibility.
Desktop Redirects
If the link is accessed from a desktop computer, the user is often redirected to a generic 404 “page not found” error page. This aims to make the link appear broken rather than suspicious. The scammers don’t want victims accessing the survey pages from a large screen, where they are more likely to identify flaws in the scam website.
The Survey Pages
On mobile devices, users are shown survey pages, designed to feel like a legitimate prize giveaway questionnaire. The questions are simple, asking for basic information about shopping habits and preferences. This helps victims believe the survey will determine if they have won a prize.
After completing several questions, a new page appears announcing the victim has won and just needs to complete one more step to claim their reward.
The Final Hook
To get their “prize,” victims are prompted to share the original scam link with a certain number of their WhatsApp contacts. This helps propagate the scam rapidly, as victims unknowingly recruit their own friends and family.
After sharing, another page appears asking for personal details and credit card information, claiming it is required for delivery fees or taxes on the prize. If entered, this sensitive information goes directly to the scammers.
Additionally, the credit card details are used to sign up victims for expensive recurring subscription plans that bill them monthly until detected and cancelled. Many victims don’t notice these unauthorized charges for weeks or months after falling for the initial scam.
Result for the Victim
In the end, victims of the Wpme.cc scam are left having shared the scam with their contacts, handed personal data to criminals, and gotten signed up for subscription fees …but received no actual prize.
This scam is incredibly manipulative, playing on people’s inherent trust in brands and contacts while exploiting human tendencies to fall for deals that seem too good to be true. The multi-step process confuses victims and hides the mechanisms that ultimately expose their data.
Recognizing and Avoiding the Wpme.cc Scam
Now that you understand how the intricate Wpme.cc scam operates, you can avoid falling victim yourself. Here are key tips for detecting and preventing this scam:
Be skeptical of shortened links, even from known contacts. Hover over them to preview the actual URL before clicking. If the expanded URL looks suspicious, don’t click it.
Verify prizes and deals independently. Rather than trusting a random text or message, go directly to the company’s official website to find and verify any promotion.
Watch for pressure to share. Legitimate market research never requires you to share the survey. Requests to spread a link are a red flag.
Beware unexpected requests for personal or financial information. Don’t hand this type of sensitive information to an unverified site, especially for supposed “prizes.”
Use antivirus/antimalware software to detect known scam sites and block access to them. This provides an added layer of protection.
Avoid accessing unfamiliar links on mobile where redirects are more credible. Use a desktop if possible where scam sites often fail to display properly.
When in doubt, confirm directly with the contact to ask if they really sent a suspicious message or link. The Wpme.cc scam spoofs known contacts, so verify legitimacy.
Staying vigilant and skeptical is key to identifying the red flags of a scam. Trust your instincts if an offer seems questionable. Don’t let the allure of free rewards overpower your caution when interacting online.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to the Wpme.cc Scam
If you suspect you have fallen prey to the deceptive Wpme.cc scam, take the following steps immediately to limit the damage:
Step 1: Contact Your Bank and/or Credit Card Company
If you entered any financial information, call your bank and credit card company right away. Report any unauthorized charges or subscriptions associated with the scam website. Cancel any recurring billings immediately to prevent further damage.
Step 2: Change Online Account Passwords
If you revealed usernames or passwords to the scammers, change the passwords for those accounts immediately to prevent access. Prioritize financial accounts and email.
Step 3: Scan Your Device for Malware
Scam sites may attempt to install monitoring malware on victims’ devices. Run a full scan with Malwarebytes to check for anything suspicious. Also change passwords again after scanning to be safe.
Step 4: Place Fraud Alert on Your Credit
Contact the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your name and accounts. This signals lenders to scrutinize any new activity more closely to catch further identity theft.
Step 5: Monitor Your Accounts Closely
Carefully check all financial and credit accounts over the next weeks and months for any signs of misuse of your information. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
Step 6: Warn Contacts Who Received the Scam Link
If you unfortunately shared the scam link before realizing it was fraudulent, send a new message to those contacts warning them not to click it. Explain it’s a phishing scam trying to steal information. This can limit the scam’s spread.
Step 7: Report the Scam
File a complaint about the scam website to authorities. In the U.S. you can report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. This can help track and prosecute the scammers behind the site.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and most used anti-malware software for Windows, and for good reasons. It is able to destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss, without costing you absolutely nothing. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows.
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the MBSetup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
You may be presented with a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow Malwarebytes to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes setup wizard which will guide you through the installation process. The Malwarebytes installer will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program on, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
On the next screen, click “Install” to install Malwarebytes on your computer.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen.
Click on “Scan”.
Malwarebytes is now installed on your computer, to start a scan click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the Malwarebytes scan is finished scanning it will show a screen that displays any malware, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that it has detected. To remove the adware and other malicious programs that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
The Wpme.cc scam is a fraudulent scheme that sends messages via WhatsApp containing dangerous links. It tricks users into clicking the links by promising free rewards like gift cards. The links install malware and steal personal information.
How does the WhatsApp Wpme.cc scam work?
It starts with a WhatsApp message containing a shortened Wpme.cc link from a contact. This leads to a fake survey asking for personal details to send a “prize.” Users are then prompted to share the link with their contacts, spreading the scam.
What happens if I click the Wpme.cc link?
Clicking the link will expose your personal data and may install malware. It also signs you up for unwanted paid subscriptions without permission. No real prizes are awarded.
What are the red flags of the Wpme.cc scam?
Red flags include shortened links, pressure to share the link, prizes or deals that seem too good to be true, and requests for financial details to claim prizes.
Can I get malware from the Wpme.cc site?
Yes, scam sites like Wpme.cc may attempt to secretly install malware onto your device to steal data. Be wary of clicking any links from questionable sources.
What should I do if I clicked the Wpme.cc link?
If you entered any information, change online account passwords immediately. Contact your bank to reverse any fraudulent charges. Scan your device for malware and place fraud alerts on your credit.
How can I avoid the Wpme.cc scam?
Avoid shortened links from unknown sources. Verify promotions independently. Never share financial information on unofficial sites. Use antimalware software and don’t access suspicious links from your mobile device.
How can I report the Wpme.cc scam?
You can report the scam website to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. This can help authorities track the scammers behind it.
How can I warn others about the Wpme.cc scam?
If you received a Wpme.cc link from a contact, message them back warning it is a phishing scam and not to click it. Post warnings about the scam on social media to spread awareness.
How can I recover financially from the Wpme.cc scam?
Notify your bank and credit card company immediately to reverse any fraudulent charges. Place fraud alerts on your credit and monitor your financial accounts closely for further suspicious activity.
In Conclusion
The Wpme.cc scam is an insidious threat operating by deceiving victims through multiple redirection steps and tempting prize offers. This scam ultimately exposes users’ personal information, signs them up for unwanted charges, and spreads further by exploiting their relationships and compromising their devices.
Being aware of how sophisticated scams like Wpme.cc operate increases the chance of identifying and avoiding their traps. Caution with links, skepticism of prizes, and protecting your data can all stop you from becoming another victim. If you do fall prey, act swiftly to contact institutions, protect accounts, and warn others away from scam links both for your own protection and to limit the scam’s reach.
Hopefully this thorough exposé of the Wpme.cc scam has provided the awareness needed to help users across the web avoid its far-reaching traps. Stay vigilant in assessing links and offers, rely on trusted sources, and implement fraud protections to keep your data secure, avoiding the damages experienced by so many victims of this prolific scam.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
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.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
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.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
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."
Install an 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.
Be careful what you download.
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.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
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.
Back up your data.
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.
Choose strong passwords.
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.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
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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Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
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