Table of contents
- WhatsApp scams: a daily threat
- “Hi, can I talk to you for a moment?”: The Polite Trap
- How the WhatsApp scam works: deception, manipulation, and identity theft
- How to protect yourself from WhatsApp scams
- What to do if you receive a suspicious message
WhatsApp scams: a daily threat
WhatsApp scams have become increasingly sophisticated and widespread, taking advantage of the trust users place in the world’s most popular messaging app. Scammers exploit unknown numbers, fake identities, and even cloned numbers to deceive potential victims, steal personal information, extort money, or hijack a WhatsApp account.
One of the most common tactics begins with an innocent-looking message: “Hi, can I talk to you for a moment?” It’s a generic, seemingly polite phrase that prompts many people to respond, unknowingly opening the door to a new scam.
Let’s take a closer look at how the scam works, what warning signs to watch for, and what steps to take to defend yourself from WhatsApp scams.
“Hi, can I talk to you for a moment?”: The Polite Trap
The “Hi, can I talk to you for a moment?” WhatsApp scam usually starts with a message from an unknown number, sometimes using a fake or missing profile picture. The psychological trick is simple but effective: the phrase is designed to sound friendly and familiar, encouraging the user to engage and ask for more details.
If the victim replies, the scammer may pretend to be a relative, a friend, or even a coworker in trouble, claiming they’ve changed their number or urgently need help. The next step is almost always a request for personal data, verification codes, or even a bank transfer.
Sometimes, scammers send messages claiming to be from a bank operator or the postal police, trying to extract sensitive data under the pretext of blocking a supposed unauthorized access attempt.
How the WhatsApp scam works: deception, manipulation, and identity theft
One of the most dangerous methods is the theft of the WhatsApp account itself. The scammer convinces the user to share a six-digit code received via SMS. That code is actually the access code to the account, and once shared, it allows the scammer to take control of it.
From there, the attacker can contact the phone numbers saved in the victim’s contact list, sending similar messages and continuing the chain of deception. These are real cases of identity theft, often causing serious financial and psychological damage.
Another increasingly common variation involves a fake relative abroad or using a new phone number, asking for a money transfer. In some cases, the scam unfolds through WhatsApp, but may also continue via email or SMS.
How to protect yourself from WhatsApp scams
To defend yourself from WhatsApp scams, you need caution, awareness, and some basic technical measures. The first rule is to never respond to suspicious messages from unregistered numbers. Even if the initial phrase is polite or neutral like “Hi, can I talk to you for a moment?” you should never share personal information without verifying the sender’s identity.
It’s highly recommended to enable two-step verification in the app settings. This adds an extra PIN that protects your WhatsApp account from unauthorized access.
If you receive a suspicious message or suspect you’ve fallen victim to a WhatsApp scam, it’s crucial to:
- Block and report the number within the app;
- Avoid clicking on links sent from unknown numbers;
- Contact the postal police, who can assist and collect evidence for any investigation.
What to do if you receive a suspicious message
If you’ve received a suspicious message, the first thing to do is stay calm. Don’t respond, don’t click on any links, and don’t share any codes. Try to verify if the number belongs to someone you know by calling them directly. If it’s a real contact, they’ll be able to confirm their identity.
It may also help to take a screenshot of the conversation to keep as evidence in case you decide to report the incident.
Final thoughts
WhatsApp scams are constantly evolving, but with the right precautions, it’s possible to avoid falling into the trap. Phrases like “Hi, can I talk to you for a moment?”, unknown numbers contacting you suddenly, or suspicious requests for personal data should always trigger an alarm bell.
Remember: no legitimate operator will ask you to share sensitive information via WhatsApp. And if you’re in doubt, the postal police is always your first point of contact for safe action.
