WhatsApp Scams and Computer Repair Shops
WhatsApp has become the latest messaging app, which promises tons of security features for your conversations and privacy. However, WhatsApp has also become a cesspool of con-artists, spammers, and all sorts of unsavory characters. In fact, according to our little computer repair shop, this is where the worst of the worst hang out. I’d like to talk about a few of their scams and some advice on how to avoid them.
Computer Repair Shop Talks About WhatsApp Scams: iMessage Scams
iMessages are messages that are sent back and forth between iPhones (Apple phones). What’s happening is that scammers are sending fake iMessages to Apple phones. These messages say things like, “hi, are you busy”? Then, the person tries to start a conversation with the owner of the iPhone. In fact, they carry several conversations, in which they try to get to know you and pretend to become your friend. Eventually, they ask to move the conversation to WhatsApp. Then, ask for money or try to get you to send some sort of gift card. The best thing to do when you get an iMessage from an unknown sender is to block them immediately. Additionally, you should never respond to iMessages that try to sound familiar, such as, “what’s up”? or “What are you doing”?
Computer Repair Shop Talks About WhatsApp Scams: SMS Text Scams
SMS texts are one of the oldest scams that have been around since the invention of the cell phone. Basically, scammers text random numbers in the hopes that they can reach a gullible person. In most cases, they try to send similar messages as with iMessages, things like, “hi, how are you”? Something that most people would answer and usually very polite. As a matter of fact, most people do reply initially. However, people who are experienced with online predators will usually eventually realize that the scammer is only wanting money. In fact, the scammer will usually try to get you to move the conversation to WhatsApp. That’s the first clue it’s a scam. If you receive one of these SMS texts from unknown persons, then you should block the person immediately and not respond.
Computer Repair Shop Talks About WhatsApp Scams: Dating App Scams
Dating apps are usually the place where WhatsApp scams are the worst. You join a dating app with the hopes of meeting someone and during your conversation they ask you to speak on WhatsApp. Suddenly, after a few conversations, they ask you for money or to support them financially. There are thousands of men and women on dating apps, just waiting for someone to take advantage of. If you join a dating app, then you should never take your conversation to WhatsApp. Try to get to know someone in the dating app for several weeks, before moving to another messaging system. This will ensure that you are being safe online.
Computer Repair Shop Talks About WhatsApp Scams: Facebook Marketplace Scams
Facebook Marketplace is an online store where you can find all kinds of nice things to buy online. As a matter of fact, most of these things are used, but in fairly good condition. In some cases, it’s even worth the price that they are asking. Unfortunately, sometimes these magnificent deals are a complete scam. Yes, they will lure you into WhatsApp and then try to con you into sending them money. Sometimes it’s a small amount of money, sometimes it’s a ridiculously large amount of money. Either way you should not allow ANYONE to lure you onto WhatsApp for any reason.
Computer Repair Shop Talks About WhatsApp Scams: Craigslist Scams
Craigslist was once a decent place to list things for sale and to find things that you needed. However, in most recent years, it has become a cesspool of scammers, liars, and deceptions. In fact, there are very few legitimate listings on Craigslist anymore. Unfortunately, all the scams on Craigslist have kept most decent folks from using the site anymore. If you find yourself needing a car or a rental, then stay away from this site. Most people on Craigslist will immediately redirect you to WhatsApp and try to get your credit card number right away. In most cases, it is a complete scam.
Computer Repair Shop Talks About WhatsApp Scams: Email Scams
Email Scams are quite possibly the oldest types of scams in existence today. Of course, these go back to when email was first invented (roughly in the 1970’s). Ever since then, we have all gotten emails claiming that we have an inheritance from a Nigerian prince just waiting for us to claim. During the course of corresponding in email, most scammers will want to communicate through WhatsApp to legitimize their correspondence. Obviously, this will be a scam and you should proceed with caution. Never, ever allow someone to talk you into giving them money via WhatsApp or over the internet. Especially someone that you have never met in person.
Computer Repair Shop Talks About WhatsApp Scams: Website Scams (Contact Requests)
Many businesses have a “contact request” form on their website. This form allows clients to contact them directly and make inquiries about pricing and services. Unfortunately, scammers have gotten smart and started using these forms to trap business owners into scams. If you are a business owner, then you should be careful of these scams. In fact, scammers will send you “business propositions” that seem too good to be true. They will try to lure you into WhatsApp conversations and ask you for “startup money”. However, it is a complete scam, be weary of scams like these. You should never give money to someone online, that might be questionable, or someone that you did not reach out to first.
Computer Repair Shop Talks About WhatsApp Scams: Direct WhatsApp Messages
Many of us have WhatsApp to communicate with friends, family and even for business purposes. However, there are many scammers who send messages to random numbers in the guise of “friendship”. These messages are similar to “SMS Text Scams” saying things like, “how are you”? They are meant to elicit a response that begins a friendly conversation. Make no mistake, these “friendly conversations” are meant to do only one thing, take your money. In fact, all they want to do is eventually ask you for money. Sometimes they will ask for you to pay a bill, other times they will tell you that their son or daughter is dying and needs an expensive surgery. All in all, you should know, you can’t trust a word these people are telling you.
Computer Repair Shop Talks About WhatsApp Scams
Do you need the best computer repair shop near me? Look no further. You found me. DML Computer Repair offers the best computer repair Colorado Springs CO, exceptional computer repair services, and friendly computer repair technicians. Looking for the best computer repair shop near me? No problem! Call or visit today for your free computer diagnostics at computer repair places near me.
Author Information for Computer Repair Colorado Springs CO
De Landres
DML Computer Repair Technician | Computer Software Expert | Computer Blog Author
Author Quote: “Google is your friend, not food”. ~De
