- The "like" scam uses WhatsApp and Telegram to lure victims with fake job offers that promise easy money in exchange for giving likes on social media.
- Scammers pay small amounts initially to build trust, but then demand larger transfers that are never returned; they disappear after receiving the money.
- Protecting yourself means being wary of overly attractive offers, not sharing personal information, blocking suspicious numbers, and reporting to the police and INCIBE if you are a victim.
WhatsApp has established itself as the most widely used instant messaging application globally. Its daily use, both personally and professionally, has led to the emergence of new scams that seek to exploit users' trust. One of the most recent and dangerous is the WhatsApp "like" scam , a swindle that, under the guise of legitimate opportunities to make quick money, can seriously jeopardize your savings and even your digital identity.
In this article, we cover everything related to this scam in detail. We'll analyze how it works, why it's so effective, the variations detected in recent months, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself from falling victim to this sophisticated deception. We also include expert explanations, data from law enforcement agencies, and practical, up-to-date advice from official bodies and cybersecurity organizations.
What is the WhatsApp "Like" scam?
The modus operandi of this scam begins with receiving a message via WhatsApp—or sometimes through other platforms like Telegram or SMS—from an unknown sender . Usually, the message comes from an international number (United Kingdom, Libya, Indonesia, Togo, Spain, and other countries), making it difficult to trace the scammer.
The message is usually presented as an easy and well-paid job offer , appealing to curiosity and financial need. They claim to collaborate with digital marketing companies or well-known social media agencies. The work supposedly consists of liking YouTube videos, Instagram posts, TikTok videos, Facebook posts, or even following accounts to "increase the visibility of content creators." They promise immediate payment of a certain amount for each action: for example, between 3 and 5 euros, or daily amounts that reach several hundred euros, depending on the user's "level" within the system.
Once the proposal is accepted, the user is asked to complete the task—usually liking the post and sending a screenshot as proof. After this first step, a key feature of the scam emerges: the scammers actually pay initially . They send small payments, for example, via Bizum, to build trust.
Once this phase is over, the messages become more insistent, urging the victim to increase their commitment in order to access greater "bonuses." It's common for them to suggest moving the conversation to Telegram, where cybercriminals can operate with greater anonymity and freedom, creating groups in which they simulate activity and "success" testimonials using bots and fake profiles that share supposedly large profits.
At more advanced levels, the perpetrators request money transfers, claiming they need to "unlock" accumulated profits, make a prior investment, or guarantee payment of outstanding amounts. When the victim sends these transfers, the scammers immediately disappear and cut off all contact. Sometimes, after making several transfers, the victim discovers they have lost large sums of money and may even have provided sensitive information such as bank details or identification.
Why the "like" scam is so effective
This type of fraud has become one of the most dangerous and effective digital scams for several reasons:
- Use of recognized platforms and companies: Messages often use the names of legitimate companies (marketing agencies, job portals like Infojobs, well-known technology companies) to create a sense of authenticity.
- Actual payments in the initial phase: The delivery of small amounts of money after the first few likes acts as an irresistible lure. Upon receiving the promised payment, the user lowers their guard and feels the offer is real.
- Trust Building: Screenshots of alleged payments, fake testimonials from other users, and chat groups filled with positive bot-generated comments are used to reinforce the illusion of a legitimate and secure business.
- Promises of big profits: The central message is the possibility of quickly earning a high income with very little effort, something especially attractive for profiles looking for work online, young people, the unemployed, or those in need of extra income.
- Scalability and anonymity: By operating through WhatsApp, Telegram, and other digital media, scammers can contact thousands of people of any social profile, age, or location, multiplying their chances of success without physically exposing themselves.
The scam is further complicated by the use of phishing and social engineering techniques: the victim may be tricked into providing bank details, installing external software or apps, or even carrying out transactions on fraudulent websites that mimic job or payment portals. In extreme cases, this can lead to digital identity theft and the theft of all funds from a bank account.
Phases and variants of the WhatsApp Like scam
This type of scam is structured in different phases that may vary depending on the country, contact channel, victim profile, or the scammer's experience. Below, we detail the main phases and known variants:
- First contact: Direct message with a simple, well-paid job offer. It can come from WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, or even email. The sender uses names, logos, and words associated with real companies.
- Test task: The user is asked to "like" a post and submit proof. After verification, they are credited a nominal amount (e.g., €3, €5, €10).
- Supply escalation: The victim is invited to a "channel" or "task group" (often on Telegram), where other supposed participants share their successes. Here, the victim is promised the chance to earn 40, 500, or even 1000 euros a day.
- Request for personal and banking information: At the next level, the user must provide information such as account number, IBAN, a copy of their ID, or even access portals that simulate legitimate payment systems.
- Investment applications: To release the supposedly earned funds, the victim is required to make a prior transfer as a "guarantee" or "payment of fees." If the victim falls for it, the cycle repeats with demands for more money.
- Final phase: When the user can no longer or no longer wants to send more money, scammers cut off all contact, delete profiles and communities on Telegram or WhatsApp, and disappear without a trace.
Other variants involve sending links to fraudulent websites where personal data is stolen, installing third-party applications that turn out to be malware, or even the victim's unwitting participation as a "bank mule" (i.e., an intermediary in the movement of illicit money between other accounts), which can lead to legal consequences.
Real examples and testimonies of those affected
Several media outlets, the National Police, and cybersecurity experts have documented real-life accounts and cases with financial losses of up to €20.000 in just 48 hours. The impact of this scam is particularly severe because it indiscriminately targets all types of users, from young people to seniors and professionals seeking extra income.
A common pattern is "cold contact": an unknown number proposes a simple assignment and pays for it. As soon as the victim becomes accustomed to receiving small amounts, they are invited to invest large sums with the promise of multiplying their money quickly. Sometimes the user is tricked into believing they are part of a multi-level legal system, without even suspecting they are moving funds among other victims and that, unwittingly, they may be implicated in a lawsuit for aiding and abetting financial crime.
In some cases, real companies, such as well-known marketing agencies or job boards, are impersonated by sending fake documentation (with spelling mistakes, logos, or manipulated images) to generate false trust. The use of public figures in profile pictures or testimonials (for example, photos of Princess Leonor, company executives, influencers, etc.) to reinforce the credibility of the scam has even been documented.
Victims' own experience often reveals that after losing money, Telegram channels or WhatsApp groups disappear immediately, leaving the person completely defenseless. Attempts to file a complaint through the platforms or contact the scammer again are unsuccessful.
Why is it so difficult to avoid or track this scam?
The great effectiveness of this method is mainly due to the anonymity and scalability provided by messaging and social media apps:
- Using international and prepaid numbers: Cybercriminals use dozens of international SIM cards, often purchased anonymously or stolen, to make tracking difficult.
- Automation and bots: Many messages are sent by bots programmed to follow the same script, automatically respond to questions, and monitor dozens of potential victims simultaneously.
- Transition to less monitored applications: Moving from WhatsApp to Telegram (or even Messenger or SMS) makes it easier for scammers to bypass controls, reports, and blocks.
- Digital identity theft: Criminals mimic the names, images, and domains of legitimate companies to gain credibility, making it difficult for users to detect fraud.
- Sudden disappearance: After obtaining the money, groups and accounts are quickly deleted, making contact or any complaints impossible.
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How to avoid falling victim to the WhatsApp "Like" scam?
Protecting yourself from the WhatsApp "like" scam—and other similar frauds—requires applying a series of best practices and tips recommended by official bodies such as the National Police, the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE), and leading European cybersecurity organizations:
- Be wary of any message from an unknown sender, especially those that promise easy or excessively high profits in exchange for simple actions on social networks.
- Do not respond to unsolicited job offers that you receive via WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS or emails, and much less if they ask you for personal or banking information or to make payments in advance.
- Do not share confidential information (account number, cards, ID, passwords) through these platforms, even if the interlocutor poses as a legitimate company.
- Ignore and block any suspicious messages and delete the conversation. WhatsApp allows you to report these numbers to help limit new campaigns.
- Avoid clicking on external links received through WhatsApp or Telegram, as many redirect to portals that simulate jobs or payments, but in reality they collect your data for other scams.
- Never download or install recommended apps outside of official stores. (Google Play, App Store), or files sent by strangers, as they may contain malware.
- Do not agree to transfer money to third parties or act as a payment intermediary. You could be unknowingly participating in financial crimes.
- Always check the official website of the supposed company or service before trusting a job offer received by message.
- Do egosurfing from time to time (searching your name on search engines) to detect whether your data has been used without your consent. Request deletion from platforms if you detect misuse.
- Keep your devices protected and up to date with antivirus and security software, to minimize the risk of malware or data theft.
- If you receive a suspicious message from a real contact, verify externally (by phone or other channel) that it is really that person and that their account has not been stolen.
- Share the information and alert friends and family so that no one around you falls for this type of scam.
Acting quickly is essential to minimize the impact of this fraud. If you think you've been a victim, follow these steps:
- Gather all possible evidence: Save messages, screenshots, payment and transfer records, phone numbers, and addresses of WhatsApp or Telegram groups involved.
- Report to the police: Go to the nearest police station (National Police, Civil Guard) and file a complaint, providing all the documentation you have collected.
- Contact your bank: File a complaint and request that payments be blocked, transfers be canceled, and, where possible, the funds be recovered.
- Inform INCIBE: (National Cybersecurity Institute) using the toll-free number 017 or the WhatsApp channel 900 116 117. They will advise you on technical and legal measures.
- If you provided sensitive personal information: (ID, passwords, account number): Change your passwords immediately and contact the Spanish Data Protection Agency if you detect any misuse.
- Report the incident to WhatsApp and Telegram: through its support channels, to help block scammers and prevent new victims.
- Consult with a specialized lawyer: If the amount defrauded is large or if you have been unknowingly used as a "bank mule."
Why do WhatsApp scams continue to proliferate?
Scams via WhatsApp and other messaging platforms are on the rise for several reasons:
- More and more users communicate exclusively through instant messaging.
- Social engineering techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and scammers tailor their messages to current events and the victim's profile.
- Easy money remains a strong attraction, especially in times of crisis, economic recession, or unemployment.
- Mass messaging tools allow you to reach thousands of people in seconds.
- Although platforms strengthen their filters and security systems, scammers are always finding new channels and ways to impersonate people or create new accounts.
Additionally, most victims do not report these minor frauds, which fuels the sense of impunity and allows scammers to perfect their methods.
Remember that companies and job boards never request advance payments or contact you via WhatsApp to make instant payments. If in doubt, always check official websites before making any decisions.
Why is it so difficult to avoid or track this scam?
The great effectiveness of this method is mainly due to the anonymity and scalability provided by messaging and social media apps:
- Using international and prepaid numbers: Cybercriminals use dozens of international SIM cards, often purchased anonymously or stolen, to make tracking difficult.
- Automation and bots: Many messages are sent by bots programmed to follow the same script, automatically respond to questions, and monitor dozens of potential victims simultaneously.
- Transition to less monitored applications: Moving from WhatsApp to Telegram (or even Messenger or SMS) makes it easier for scammers to bypass controls, reports, and blocks.
- Digital identity theft: Criminals mimic the names, images, and domains of legitimate companies to gain credibility, making it difficult for users to detect fraud.
- Sudden disappearance: After obtaining the money, groups and accounts are quickly deleted, making contact or any complaints impossible.
How to avoid falling victim to the WhatsApp "Like" scam?
Protecting yourself from the WhatsApp "like" scam—and other similar frauds—requires applying a series of best practices and tips recommended by official bodies such as the National Police, the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE), and leading European cybersecurity organizations:
- Be wary of any message from an unknown sender, especially those that promise easy or excessively high profits in exchange for simple actions on social networks.
- Do not respond to unsolicited job offers that you receive via WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS or emails, and much less if they ask you for personal or banking information or to make payments in advance.
- Do not share confidential information (account number, cards, ID, passwords) through these platforms, even if the interlocutor poses as a legitimate company.
- Ignore and block any suspicious messages and delete the conversation. WhatsApp allows you to report these numbers to help limit new campaigns.
- Avoid clicking on external links received through WhatsApp or Telegram, as many redirect to portals that simulate jobs or payments, but in reality they collect your data for other scams.
- Never download or install recommended apps outside of official stores. (Google Play, App Store), or files sent by strangers, as they may contain malware.
- Do not agree to transfer money to third parties or act as a payment intermediary. You could be unknowingly participating in financial crimes.
- Always check the official website of the supposed company or service before trusting a job offer received by message.
- Do egosurfing from time to time (searching your name on search engines) to detect whether your data has been used without your consent. Request deletion from platforms if you detect misuse.
- Keep your devices protected and up to date with antivirus and security software, to minimize the risk of malware or data theft.
- If you receive a suspicious message from a real contact, verify externally (by phone or other channel) that it is really that person and that their account has not been stolen.
- Share the information and alert friends and family so that no one around you falls for this type of scam.
Acting quickly is essential to minimize the impact of this fraud. If you think you've been a victim, follow these steps:
- Gather all possible evidence: Save messages, screenshots, payment and transfer records, phone numbers, and addresses of WhatsApp or Telegram groups involved.
- Report to the police: Go to the nearest police station (National Police, Civil Guard) and file a complaint, providing all the documentation you have collected.
- Contact your bank: File a complaint and request that payments be blocked, transfers be canceled, and, where possible, the funds be recovered.
- Inform INCIBE: (National Cybersecurity Institute) using the toll-free number 017 or the WhatsApp channel 900 116 117. They will advise you on technical and legal measures.
- If you provided sensitive personal information: (ID, passwords, account number): Change your passwords immediately and contact the Spanish Data Protection Agency if you detect any misuse.
- Report the incident to WhatsApp and Telegram: through its support channels, to help block scammers and prevent new victims.
- Consult with a specialized lawyer: If the amount defrauded is large or if you have been unknowingly used as a "bank mule."
Why do WhatsApp scams continue to proliferate?
Scams via WhatsApp and other messaging platforms are on the rise for several reasons:
- More and more users communicate exclusively through instant messaging.
- Social engineering techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and scammers tailor their messages to current events and the victim's profile.
- Easy money remains a strong attraction, especially in times of crisis, economic recession, or unemployment.
- Mass messaging tools allow you to reach thousands of people in seconds.
- Although platforms strengthen their filters and security systems, scammers are always finding new channels and ways to impersonate people or create new accounts.
Additionally, most victims do not report these minor frauds, which fuels the sense of impunity and allows scammers to perfect their methods.
Remember that companies and job boards never request advance payments or contact you via WhatsApp to make instant payments. If in doubt, always check official websites before making any decisions.
Why is it so difficult to avoid or track this scam?
The great effectiveness of this method is mainly due to the anonymity and scalability provided by messaging and social media apps:
- Using international and prepaid numbers: Cybercriminals use dozens of international SIM cards, often purchased anonymously or stolen, to make tracking difficult.
- Automation and bots: Many messages are sent by bots programmed to follow the same script, automatically respond to questions, and monitor dozens of potential victims simultaneously.
- Transition to less monitored applications: Moving from WhatsApp to Telegram (or even Messenger or SMS) makes it easier for scammers to bypass controls, reports, and blocks.
- Digital identity theft: Criminals mimic the names, images, and domains of legitimate companies to gain credibility, making it difficult for users to detect fraud.
- Sudden disappearance: After obtaining the money, groups and accounts are quickly deleted, making contact or any complaints impossible.
How to avoid falling victim to the WhatsApp "Like" scam?
Protecting yourself from the WhatsApp "like" scam—and other similar frauds—requires applying a series of best practices and tips recommended by official bodies such as the National Police, the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE), and leading European cybersecurity organizations:
- Be wary of any message from an unknown sender, especially those that promise easy or excessively high profits in exchange for simple actions on social networks.
- Do not respond to unsolicited job offers that you receive via WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS or emails, and much less if they ask you for personal or banking information or to make payments in advance.
- Do not share confidential information (account number, cards, ID, passwords) through these platforms, even if the interlocutor poses as a legitimate company.
- Ignore and block any suspicious messages and delete the conversation. WhatsApp allows you to report these numbers to help limit new campaigns.
- Avoid clicking on external links received through WhatsApp or Telegram, as many redirect to portals that simulate jobs or payments, but in reality they collect your data for other scams.
- Never download or install recommended apps outside of official stores. (Google Play, App Store), or files sent by strangers, as they may contain malware.
- Do not agree to transfer money to third parties or act as a payment intermediary. You could be unknowingly participating in financial crimes.
- Always check the official website of the supposed company or service before trusting a job offer received by message.
- Do egosurfing from time to time (searching your name on search engines) to detect whether your data has been used without your consent. Request deletion from platforms if you detect misuse.
- Keep your devices protected and up to date with antivirus and security software, to minimize the risk of malware or data theft.
- If you receive a suspicious message from a real contact, verify externally (by phone or other channel) that it is really that person and that their account has not been stolen.
- Share the information and alert friends and family so that no one around you falls for this type of scam.
Acting quickly is essential to minimize the impact of this fraud. If you think you've been a victim, follow these steps:
- Gather all possible evidence: Save messages, screenshots, payment and transfer records, phone numbers, and addresses of WhatsApp or Telegram groups involved.
- Report to the police: Go to the nearest police station (National Police, Civil Guard) and file a complaint, providing all the documentation you have collected.
- Contact your bank: File a complaint and request that payments be blocked, transfers be canceled, and, where possible, the funds be recovered.
- Inform INCIBE: (National Cybersecurity Institute) using the toll-free number 017 or the WhatsApp channel 900 116 117. They will advise you on technical and legal measures.
- If you provided sensitive personal information: (ID, passwords, account number): Change your passwords immediately and contact the Spanish Data Protection Agency if you detect any misuse.
- Report the incident to WhatsApp and Telegram: through its support channels, to help block scammers and prevent new victims.
- Consult with a specialized lawyer: If the amount defrauded is large or if you have been unknowingly used as a "bank mule."
Why do WhatsApp scams continue to proliferate?
Scams via WhatsApp and other messaging platforms are on the rise for several reasons:
- More and more users communicate exclusively through instant messaging.
- Social engineering techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and scammers tailor their messages to current events and the victim's profile.
- Easy money remains a strong attraction, especially in times of crisis, economic recession, or unemployment.
- Mass messaging tools allow you to reach thousands of people in seconds.
- Although platforms strengthen their filters and security systems, scammers are always finding new channels and ways to impersonate people or create new accounts.
Additionally, most victims do not report these minor frauds, which fuels the sense of impunity and allows scammers to perfect their methods.
Remember that companies and job boards never request advance payments or contact you via WhatsApp to make instant payments. If in doubt, always check official websites before making any decisions.
Why is it so difficult to avoid or track this scam?
The great effectiveness of this method is mainly due to the anonymity and scalability provided by messaging and social media apps:
- Using international and prepaid numbers: Cybercriminals use dozens of international SIM cards, often purchased anonymously or stolen, to make tracking difficult.
- Automation and bots: Many messages are sent by bots programmed to follow the same script, automatically respond to questions, and monitor dozens of potential victims simultaneously.
- Transition to less monitored applications: Moving from WhatsApp to Telegram (or even Messenger or SMS) makes it easier for scammers to bypass controls, reports, and blocks.
- Digital identity theft: Criminals mimic the names, images, and domains of legitimate companies to gain credibility, making it difficult for users to detect fraud.
- Sudden disappearance: After obtaining the money, groups and accounts are quickly deleted, making contact or any complaints impossible.
How to avoid falling victim to the WhatsApp "Like" scam?
Protecting yourself from the WhatsApp "like" scam—and other similar frauds—requires applying a series of best practices and tips recommended by official bodies such as the National Police, the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE), and leading European cybersecurity organizations:
- Be wary of any message from an unknown sender, especially those that promise easy or excessively high profits in exchange for simple actions on social networks.
- Do not respond to unsolicited job offers that you receive via WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS or emails, and much less if they ask you for personal or banking information or to make payments in advance.
- Do not share confidential information (account number, cards, ID, passwords) through these platforms, even if the interlocutor poses as a legitimate company.
- Ignore and block any suspicious messages and delete the conversation. WhatsApp allows you to report these numbers to help limit new campaigns.
- Avoid clicking on external links received through WhatsApp or Telegram, as many redirect to portals that simulate jobs or payments, but in reality they collect your data for other scams.
- Never download or install recommended apps outside of official stores. (Google Play, App Store), or files sent by strangers, as they may contain malware.
- Do not agree to transfer money to third parties or act as a payment intermediary. You could be unknowingly participating in financial crimes.
- Always check the official website of the supposed company or service before trusting a job offer received by message.
- Do egosurfing from time to time (searching your name on search engines) to detect whether your data has been used without your consent. Request deletion from platforms if you detect misuse.
- Keep your devices protected and up to date with antivirus and security software, to minimize the risk of malware or data theft.
- If you receive a suspicious message from a real contact, verify externally (by phone or other channel) that it is really that person and that their account has not been stolen.
- Share the information and alert friends and family so that no one around you falls for this type of scam.
Acting quickly is essential to minimize the impact of this fraud. If you think you've been a victim, follow these steps:
- Gather all possible evidence: Save messages, screenshots, payment and transfer records, phone numbers, and addresses of WhatsApp or Telegram groups involved.
- Report to the police: Go to the nearest police station (National Police, Civil Guard) and file a complaint, providing all the documentation you have collected.
- Contact your bank: File a complaint and request that payments be blocked, transfers be canceled, and, where possible, the funds be recovered.
- Inform INCIBE: (National Cybersecurity Institute) using the toll-free number 017 or the WhatsApp channel 900 116 117. They will advise you on technical and legal measures.
- If you provided sensitive personal information: (ID, passwords, account number): Change your passwords immediately and contact the Spanish Data Protection Agency if you detect any misuse.
- Report the incident to WhatsApp and Telegram: through its support channels, to help block scammers and prevent new victims.
- Consult with a specialized lawyer: If the amount defrauded is large or if you have been unknowingly used as a "bank mule."
Why do WhatsApp scams continue to proliferate?
Scams via WhatsApp and other messaging platforms are on the rise for several reasons:
- More and more users communicate exclusively through instant messaging.
- Social engineering techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and scammers tailor their messages to current events and the victim's profile.
- Easy money remains a strong attraction, especially in times of crisis, economic recession, or unemployment.
- Mass messaging tools allow you to reach thousands of people in seconds.
- Although platforms strengthen their filters and security systems, scammers are always finding new channels and ways to impersonate people or create new accounts.
Additionally, most victims do not report these minor frauds, which fuels the sense of impunity and allows scammers to perfect their methods.
Remember that companies and job boards never request advance payments or contact you via WhatsApp to make instant payments. If in doubt, always check official websites before making any decisions.
Why is it so difficult to avoid or track this scam?
The great effectiveness of this method is mainly due to the anonymity and scalability provided by messaging and social media apps:
- Using international and prepaid numbers: Cybercriminals use dozens of international SIM cards, often purchased anonymously or stolen, to make tracking difficult.
- Automation and bots: Many messages are sent by bots programmed to follow the same script, automatically respond to questions, and monitor dozens of potential victims simultaneously.
- Transition to less monitored applications: Moving from WhatsApp to Telegram (or even Messenger or SMS) makes it easier for scammers to bypass controls, reports, and blocks.
- Digital identity theft: Criminals mimic the names, images, and domains of legitimate companies to gain credibility, making it difficult for users to detect fraud.
- Sudden disappearance: After obtaining the money, groups and accounts are quickly deleted, making contact or any complaints impossible.
How to avoid falling victim to the WhatsApp "Like" scam?
Protecting yourself from the WhatsApp "like" scam—and other similar frauds—requires applying a series of best practices and tips recommended by official bodies such as the National Police, the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE), and leading European cybersecurity organizations:
- Be wary of any message from an unknown sender, especially those that promise easy or excessively high profits in exchange for simple actions on social networks.
- Do not respond to unsolicited job offers that you receive via WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS or emails, and much less if they ask you for personal or banking information or to make payments in advance.
- Do not share confidential information (account number, cards, ID, passwords) through these platforms, even if the interlocutor poses as a legitimate company.
- Ignore and block any suspicious messages and delete the conversation. WhatsApp allows you to report these numbers to help limit new campaigns.
- Avoid clicking on external links received through WhatsApp or Telegram, as many redirect to portals that simulate jobs or payments, but in reality they collect your data for other scams.
- Never download or install recommended apps outside of official stores. (Google Play, App Store), or files sent by strangers, as they may contain malware.
- Do not agree to transfer money to third parties or act as a payment intermediary. You could be unknowingly participating in financial crimes.
- Always check the official website of the supposed company or service before trusting a job offer received by message.
- Do egosurfing from time to time (searching your name on search engines) to detect whether your data has been used without your consent. Request deletion from platforms if you detect misuse.
- Keep your devices protected and up to date with antivirus and security software, to minimize the risk of malware or data theft.
- If you receive a suspicious message from a real contact, verify externally (by phone or other channel) that it is really that person and that their account has not been stolen.
- Share the information and alert friends and family so that no one around you falls for this type of scam.
Acting quickly is essential to minimize the impact of this fraud. If you think you've been a victim, follow these steps:
- Gather all possible evidence: Save messages, screenshots, payment and transfer records, phone numbers, and addresses of WhatsApp or Telegram groups involved.
- Report to the police: Go to the nearest police station (National Police, Civil Guard) and file a complaint, providing all the documentation you have collected.
- Contact your bank: File a complaint and request that payments be blocked, transfers be canceled, and, where possible, the funds be recovered.
- Inform INCIBE: (National Cybersecurity Institute) using the toll-free number 017 or the WhatsApp channel 900 116 117. They will advise you on technical and legal measures.
- If you provided sensitive personal information: (ID, passwords, account number): Change your passwords immediately and contact the Spanish Data Protection Agency if you detect any misuse.
- Report the incident to WhatsApp and Telegram: through its support channels, to help block scammers and prevent new victims.
- Consult with a specialized lawyer: If the amount defrauded is large or if you have been unknowingly used as a "bank mule."
Why do WhatsApp scams continue to proliferate?
Scams via WhatsApp and other messaging platforms are on the rise for several reasons:
- More and more users communicate exclusively through instant messaging.
- Social engineering techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and scammers tailor their messages to current events and the victim's profile.
- Easy money remains a strong attraction, especially in times of crisis, economic recession, or unemployment.
- Mass messaging tools allow you to reach thousands of people in seconds.
- Although platforms strengthen their filters and security systems, scammers are always finding new channels and ways to impersonate people or create new accounts.
Additionally, most victims do not report these minor frauds, which fuels the sense of impunity and allows scammers to perfect their methods.
Remember that companies and job boards never request advance payments or contact you via WhatsApp to make instant payments. If in doubt, always check official websites before making any decisions.