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I’ve noticed that scams on messaging apps like WhatsApp are becoming more common. In fact, reports show that millions of users, including people like you and me, fall victim to various scams each year. One particularly sneaky scam is the WhatsApp wrong number scam, and it can lead to serious consequences if we’re not careful. Let me walk you through how it works and how you can protect yourself.
Understanding the WhatsApp Wrong Number Scam
How the Scam Works
In a typical WhatsApp wrong number scam, the scammer starts by pretending to be someone else. They might message you saying they’ve dialed the wrong number. After breaking the ice with small talk, they gradually steer the conversation toward their ulterior motives. This could involve phishing for your personal information or convincing you to send them money.
Types of Scams to Watch Out For
There are a few variations of this scam that you should be aware of:
- Romance Scams: Scammers create fake profiles to gain your emotional trust and manipulate you.
- Financial Scams: They might pretend to be a family member in need, urgently requesting money.
- Phishing Attempts: They may ask for your personal information, disguising their request as a legitimate offer or website.
Who’s Most at Risk?
While anyone can fall victim, certain groups are more vulnerable:
- Older adults who may not be as tech-savvy.
- Individuals seeking companionship online.
- People who feel pressured by urgent requests.
Recognizing the Red Flags
Common Phrases and Tactics
Scammers often use friendly and familiar phrases to put you at ease. Be cautious if you see messages like:
- “I think I’ve got the wrong number.”
- “Can you help me with something?”
- “I’m in a difficult situation.”
Suspicious Links and Attachments
If a message includes links or attachments, be extra careful. Scammers often disguise harmful links as something urgent or exciting. Always hover over links to check the URL before clicking.
Pressure Tactics
Scammers thrive on urgency. If someone pressures you to act quickly, it’s a major red flag. Watch out for phrases like, “I need this sorted out right away.”
How to Protect Yourself
Verify Identities
If someone claims to know you or needs your help, verify their identity first. Use video calls or voice messages to confirm who they are before sharing any personal details.
Strengthen Your Privacy Settings
Take a moment to review and enhance your privacy settings on WhatsApp. Limit who can see your profile photo, status updates, and other personal information.
Report Suspicious Accounts
If you encounter a suspicious account, report it immediately through the app settings. This helps keep you and others safe.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
Assess the Damage
If you think you’ve been scammed, act quickly. Document all communications and collect evidence. This information will be crucial for reporting the scam and protecting yourself.
Report the Scam
Report the incident to local authorities and WhatsApp. Most platforms have dedicated teams to handle scams, so use their reporting features to bring attention to suspicious activities.
Protect Your Information
Change any compromised passwords immediately and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts for added security.
WhatsApp’s Role in Combating Scams
WhatsApp’s Efforts
WhatsApp is actively working to keep users safe. They use encryption to protect messages and regularly update their safety protocols.
User Education
Awareness is key. WhatsApp promotes education about common scams through social media campaigns and other resources.
Future Predictions
As scams evolve, so will protection measures. In the future, we can expect updates that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to automatically detect and prevent scams.
Final Thoughts
The WhatsApp wrong number scam is a serious threat, but by understanding how it works and recognizing the red flags, you can protect yourself. Keep your personal information safe, verify identities before engaging in conversations, and always stay vigilant. Share this information with others, and remember: it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The same thing is going with me and its twice so i thought of googleing it and found ur blog thanks for help
Ask them if they know Emily. I had one of them ask me if I know Emily and then the second on that came along I asked them If they were friends with Emily and they said “Yes, do you know emily.”
I am live with one now. Seeing how far it goes. She is from Singapore looking to set up a business in London. She lives in Westminster.
After a while I blocked the contact
19th June 2023
11.21 angie, ~. this is Lisa . We can go to golf you tomorrow
9.34 20th Jin 2023 reply – Can you clarify please
10.43 .I’m sorry, I ‘t I the wrong number, I hope I didn’t disturb you,
After a bit she gave me her WhatsApp number
[21/06/2023, 14:02:36] Li Menglin: Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted. No one outside of this chat, not even WhatsApp, can read or listen to them.
21/06/2023, 14:02:36] Li Menglin: Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted. No one outside of this chat, not even WhatsApp, can read or listen to them.
[21/06/2023, 14:02:36] Andrew: Hi Li
[21/06/2023, 14:05:51] Li Menglin: Hi Lee, this is Lisa
[21/06/2023, 14:06:14] Li Menglin: Glad we can connect here
[21/06/2023, 14:06:16] Andrew: Ha sorry not Lee
[21/06/2023, 14:06:22] Andrew: Andrew
[21/06/2023, 14:07:41] Li Menglin: sorry sorry, andrew
[21/06/2023, 14:08:12] Li Menglin: you look like a doctor
[21/06/2023, 14:09:35] Andrew: No but I visit clients at home in my work
[21/06/2023, 14:10:27] Li Menglin: If you don’t mind, what’s your job?
[21/06/2023, 14:11:03] Andrew: Financial planning
[21/06/2023, 14:11:25] Andrew: What do you do?
[21/06/2023, 14:12:24] Li Menglin: We seem to be very similar, I work in finance and manage a beauty salon and cosmetics store in Singapore
[21/06/2023, 14:13:44] Andrew: Ok so you are in Singapore- long way from the golf course in….?
[21/06/2023, 14:15:45] Li Menglin: I just manage it, which is equivalent to a shareholder, and handed it over to my partner a year ago
[21/06/2023, 14:16:18] Li Menglin: above name is my company,
[21/06/2023, 14:17:36] Andrew: Company? Can’t see that?
[21/06/2023, 14:20:38] Li Menglin: You misunderstood, what I said is still my company in a certain sense
[21/06/2023, 14:21:37] Andrew: I did misunderstand sorry.
[21/06/2023, 14:22:33] Li Menglin: It’s okay, my expression was wrong
[21/06/2023, 14:22:46] Li Menglin: Out of curiosity, how old are you?
[21/06/2023, 14:22:53] Andrew: 62
[21/06/2023, 14:23:04] Li Menglin: are you in london
[21/06/2023, 14:23:25] Andrew: Twickenham area
[21/06/2023, 14:23:28] Li Menglin: Maturity reveals stability. Men of your age are the most attractive. They have experienced the prosperity and vicissitudes of time. There must be many life experiences. We can learn from each other.
[21/06/2023, 14:24:16] Li Menglin: Great place, sorry I didn’t go there, I think I’ll check it out if I get a chance
[21/06/2023, 14:24:40] Andrew: Where are you?
[21/06/2023, 14:25:51] Li Menglin: i’m in westminster london
[21/06/2023, 14:26:38] Andrew: What do you do in Westminster?
[21/06/2023, 14:28:39] Andrew: Other than finance for the company
[21/06/2023, 14:28:56] Li Menglin: Follow my aunt here to observe the financial market and discuss starting the beauty industry here
[21/06/2023, 14:29:43] Andrew: Ok sounds great London is a good city with opportunities
[21/06/2023, 14:31:24] Li Menglin: Yes, many cultures here are deeply attracted to me
[21/06/2023, 14:32:09] Andrew: You are a product of the product Li just noticed your pic
[21/06/2023, 14:33:10] Li Menglin: Sorry, I didn’t understand the meaning of this sentence
[21/06/2023, 14:34:31] Andrew: Well your business is producing beauty and your pic at least demonstrates success
[21/06/2023, 14:35:09] Li Menglin: I can understand that you are complimenting me on my beauty, haha, thank you
[21/06/2023, 14:35:23] Li Menglin: 😁
[21/06/2023, 14:36:39] Andrew: Unless the pic was taken 50 years ago and you now look like Tutankhamun
[21/06/2023, 14:38:01] Li Menglin: No, this was filmed in 2022
[21/06/2023, 14:39:10] Li Menglin: Tutankhamun, it’s not like
[21/06/2023, 14:39:49] Andrew: I just updated my pic as the other one was a while back
[21/06/2023, 14:41:17] Li Menglin: look like a star
[21/06/2023, 14:41:46] Andrew: What compressed carbon😜
[21/06/2023, 14:42:22] Li Menglin: Schwarzenegger
[21/06/2023, 14:42:32] Li Menglin: I feel like you are a bit like him
[21/06/2023, 14:43:32] Andrew: That would be nice but I am no Schwarzenegger
[21/06/2023, 14:44:55] Andrew: I am just about to go into a meeting now so have to leave you for now.
[21/06/2023, 14:45:56] Li Menglin: OK, we’ll chat later
[21/06/2023, 14:46:25] Andrew: Ok
[21/06/2023, 15:14:31] Andrew: Hi again
[21/06/2023, 15:14:58] Andrew: Back now
[21/06/2023, 15:20:30] Li Menglin: how was the meeting
[21/06/2023, 15:20:46] Andrew: Ok
[21/06/2023, 15:22:10] Andrew: So Li can we straight with each other
[21/06/2023, 15:24:45] Li Menglin: Can
[21/06/2023, 15:25:05] Li Menglin: What’s wrong?
[21/06/2023, 15:28:27] Andrew: I received a text “angie, ~. this is Lisa . We can go to golf you tomorrow” at 15.05 and our text conversation started with an identical one sent at 11.21 yesterday.
[21/06/2023, 15:29:14] Li Menglin: What number was it sent from?
[21/06/2023, 15:35:23] Andrew: The same one before we switched to WhatsApp
[21/06/2023, 15:36:28] Li Menglin: I think it may be sent by mistake
[21/06/2023, 15:36:34] Li Menglin: but I didn’t send
[21/06/2023, 15:37:34] Andrew: Ok
[21/06/2023, 15:38:23] Li Menglin: terribly sorry,
[21/06/2023, 15:38:32] Andrew: Just extremely cautious about talking with strangers
[21/06/2023, 15:40:22] Li Menglin: Yes,
[21/06/2023, 15:41:02] Li Menglin: it needs to be very careful
[21/06/2023, 15:43:25] Li Menglin: It’s not going to make us talk, I think there’s a system that’s gone wrong, I’m really looking for Angie
[21/06/2023, 15:44:09] Andrew: ??
[21/06/2023, 15:45:49] Andrew: So you thought you were talking to Angie? As you know, I am not Angie
[21/06/2023, 15:47:05] Li Menglin: This message was deleted.
[21/06/2023, 15:47:55] Li Menglin: I know, I think it may be that the information is sent abnormally
[21/06/2023, 15:48:25] Andrew: Ok I get it
[21/06/2023, 15:49:23] Li Menglin: Really bad
[21/06/2023, 15:49:49] Andrew: That’s the way it goes sometimes😊
[21/06/2023, 15:50:49] Li Menglin: I have a lot of doubts, but I don’t know how to answer them
[21/06/2023, 15:50:53] Li Menglin: a terrible day
[21/06/2023, 15:51:58] Andrew: So what next?
[21/06/2023, 15:53:32] Li Menglin: next thing i thought i should have a cup of coffee
[21/06/2023, 15:54:31] Andrew: Ha you need it?
[21/06/2023, 15:54:56] Li Menglin: i think i need
[21/06/2023, 15:56:22] Andrew: Well only you know
[21/06/2023, 15:59:17] Andrew: I am getting a drink
[21/06/2023, 16:00:55] Li Menglin: OK
[21/06/2023, 16:07:54] Andrew: Drink in hand Tea though as I don’t drink
[21/06/2023, 16:21:59] Li Menglin: The tea is very good. Did you know where the tea is best?>
[21/06/2023, 16:24:52] Andrew: Oh no sorry you thinking we should meet for tea or coffee somewhere?
[21/06/2023, 16:25:46] Andrew: I meant I have a tea in my mug on my desk.
[21/06/2023, 16:26:33] Andrew: Happy to meet up though?
[21/06/2023, 16:38:24] Li Menglin: are you in london . ,
[21/06/2023, 16:38:54] Li Menglin: If that’s what you doubt my identity, we’ll video call later
[21/06/2023, 16:41:26] Andrew: I am based near Twickenham but can get into London sometimes during the week
[21/06/2023, 16:42:01] Li Menglin: that’s close
[21/06/2023, 16:42:31] Andrew: Not far where are you?
[21/06/2023, 16:43:00] Li Menglin: westminster
[21/06/2023, 16:44:51] Andrew: I assume you are very busy with work
[21/06/2023, 16:46:27] Andrew: Li? Can I ask how you found my number?
[21/06/2023, 20:59:53] Li Menglin: ·what
[21/06/2023, 21:00:20] Li Menglin: You seem to have forgotten, I said I may have entered the wrong number
[21/06/2023, 21:30:29] Andrew: Oh yes sorry x
[21/06/2023, 21:30:49] Andrew: Lucky mistake
[21/06/2023, 21:31:14] Li Menglin: do you have amnesia
[21/06/2023, 21:31:30] Andrew: Often
[21/06/2023, 21:45:22] Andrew: In london tomorrow for a business lunch can meet for coffee before or after if that is convenient?
[21/06/2023, 21:48:55] Li Menglin: inconvenient
[21/06/2023, 21:49:15] Andrew: Ok
[21/06/2023, 21:56:15] Andrew: Sorry if I upset you
[21/06/2023, 21:57:46] Li Menglin: Yes, maybe there will be a chance to meet in the future, but it’s too early, it makes me feel that you are disrespecting me
[21/06/2023, 22:00:21] Andrew: Hmm yes I get what you are saying and it’s unforgivable if I gave that impression.
[21/06/2023, 22:04:05] Li Menglin: We have our own lives and careers, we can understand each other and help each other, but it takes time, and the education I received was not so open, you are still a stranger to me, we need time to understand each other
[21/06/2023, 22:06:33] Andrew: I agree Li happy to become friends over time.
[21/06/2023, 22:13:26] Li Menglin: you are a very polite man
[21/06/2023, 22:14:34] Li Menglin: Your life experience is more than mine, I believe we can learn from each other in the future
[21/06/2023, 22:16:21] Andrew: Happy to share my experience if that helps you in your journey
[21/06/2023, 22:19:05] Li Menglin: How is work going today?
[21/06/2023, 22:21:05] Andrew: Very busy – presentation to a company in Putney chatting with you until I got back to the office and lots of small problems and requests from clients. You?
[21/06/2023, 22:24:36] Li Menglin: I did some video conferencing today and have been watching the market for volatility.
[21/06/2023, 22:27:48] Andrew: image omitted
[21/06/2023, 22:30:33] Li Menglin: Don’t worry, I analyze a lot of data every day and make a purchase at a relatively good point of purchase.
[21/06/2023, 22:35:04] Andrew: Great – I have an early start tomorrow then into London so going to bed – night night
[21/06/2023, 22:35:45] Li Menglin: OK, good night
[22/06/2023, 09:47:46] Li Menglin: Good morning,
[22/06/2023, 09:48:27] Andrew: Hi Li how’s your morning?
[22/06/2023, 09:49:37] Li Menglin: I’m fine. Did you sleep well last night?
[22/06/2023, 09:50:01] Andrew: Like a log
[22/06/2023, 09:50:28] Andrew: What’s your day looking like?
[22/06/2023, 09:54:05] Li Menglin: I’m planning to play golf with my friends today
[22/06/2023, 09:54:36] Li Menglin: Do you have any plans?
[22/06/2023, 09:56:10] Andrew: I am at a business lunch in London
[22/06/2023, 09:59:23] Li Menglin: Sounds great, enjoy your trip to London
[22/06/2023, 10:00:09] Andrew: I will hope you have a good round of golf
[22/06/2023, 10:13:13] Li Menglin: i think i will
[22/06/2023, 10:13:34] Li Menglin: How long are you going to be in London?
[22/06/2023, 10:14:14] Andrew: Till about 2pm
[22/06/2023, 10:14:57] Li Menglin: What is your main job responsibility?
[22/06/2023, 10:17:05] Andrew: Seeing clients so you could say consultancy sales
[22/06/2023, 10:22:49] Li Menglin: I see
[22/06/2023, 10:23:10] Li Menglin: very own career
[22/06/2023, 10:23:14] Li Menglin: free
[22/06/2023, 10:24:57] Andrew: Flexible- I also advise clients on protecting finances from bad investing or fraud so it’s quite interesting
[22/06/2023, 10:26:24] Li Menglin: OK
[22/06/2023, 10:41:57] Andrew: You going to Shooters Hill Golf course?
[22/06/2023, 10:55:49] Li Menglin: i think so
[22/06/2023, 11:14:01] Andrew: Good day for it
[22/06/2023, 11:20:19] Li Menglin: Is lunch going?
[22/06/2023, 11:20:51] Andrew: On my way now
[22/06/2023, 11:22:09] Li Menglin: enjoy your lunch
[22/06/2023, 11:22:52] Andrew: And presentations – you still golfing?
[22/06/2023, 11:23:12] Li Menglin: I haven’t started yet, waiting for my friend’s parents
[22/06/2023, 11:24:52] Andrew: I am rubbish at Golf
[22/06/2023, 11:29:42] Li Menglin: what is the score
[22/06/2023, 11:30:55] Andrew: If I play might do 80 to 100
[22/06/2023, 11:33:01] Li Menglin: that’s not bad
[22/06/2023, 11:33:07] Li Menglin: 18 holes?
[22/06/2023, 11:33:53] Andrew: To be honest can’t remember my last score but it was bad
[22/06/2023, 11:34:46] Andrew: Probably closer to 120
[22/06/2023, 11:37:15] Andrew: This time last year I was volunteering at Glastonbury Festival
[22/06/2023, 11:40:19] Li Menglin: I think I can teach you lol
[22/06/2023, 11:40:37] Li Menglin: music festival i like music
[22/06/2023, 11:44:04] Andrew: Golf? I am a lost cause now
[22/06/2023, 11:46:39] Li Menglin: Failure is the mother of success
[22/06/2023, 11:46:55] Li Menglin: Neither hobbies nor life
[22/06/2023, 11:51:53] Andrew: Indeed
[22/06/2023, 12:13:10] Li Menglin: so we can’t give up any
[22/06/2023, 12:14:28] Andrew: Well I can’t play football any more so walk and read and volunteer
[22/06/2023, 12:15:40] Li Menglin: Reading is very good. What books do you usually like to read?
[22/06/2023, 12:16:33] Andrew: Science fiction but recently reading Ayn Rand
[22/06/2023, 12:17:11] Andrew: You?
[22/06/2023, 12:26:26] Andrew: In meeting now
[22/06/2023, 12:29:14] Li Menglin: I like to read some books about wealth, of course my favorite book is called The Great Gatsby,
[22/06/2023, 12:30:03] Li Menglin: His outline explains and discusses degeneration, idealism, obstacles to change, social upheaval, debauchery; it provides an in-depth description of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties, and is generally regarded as a wake-up call to the American Dream
[22/06/2023, 12:34:59] Andrew: I should read it but saw the film and so need to forget that before I read it again. Ayn Rand is about individualism v collectivism and how going to far towards collectivism leads to stagnation. She became controversial but after reading her it’s not that bad
[22/06/2023, 12:43:09] Li Menglin: She rejects faith and religion in favor of rationality and moralism, he is a great pacifist
[22/06/2023, 12:48:41] Li Menglin: I also read a book called The Three Kingdoms, which is now known as one of the four great masterpieces in China. and the beginning of the Six Dynasties.
[22/06/2023, 14:44:03] Andrew: Might check that out. Read Three Body Problem – Cixin Liu
[22/06/2023, 14:54:43] Li Menglin: OK、
[22/06/2023, 14:58:25] Andrew: It’s about the psychology of the human race and what happens when they know for sure that an Alien race is on its way to wipe out humans. It takes 400 years for them to arrive and the world has to adapt to this impending doom. Cixin Liu starts the story during the brutal cultural revolution
[22/06/2023, 14:59:51] Andrew: Love the way Asian writers create unexpected storylines
[22/06/2023, 15:03:30] Li Menglin: This message was deleted.
[22/06/2023, 15:04:01] Li Menglin: Although it will be fictitious, it makes us full of imagination and suspicion
[22/06/2023, 16:37:56] Li Menglin: You blocked this contact