Recently, cyber threats have intensified, warning of the increasing danger in every message received, every click made, or every download downloaded.
Public awareness has increased, allowing more people to identify potential scams before it is too late. A clear example of this is the alerts circulating about WhatsApp messages originating from numbers with foreign prefixes, which often provide job opportunities that are in fact just traps.
However, cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics. Recently, a new scam method has caught the attention of the authorities. Instead of letters, criminals use phone calls. With promises of a well-paying job, users are urged to save a contact number and start a conversation on WhatsApp.
The trick lies in the fact that when called in this way, the number is already registered in the user’s contact list, which prevents WhatsApp from being alerted about the suspicious origin of the prefix. Not only is this deceptive approach aimed at obtaining personal information, it can also put the people being deceived at risk, unwittingly turning them into accomplices to the fraud.
The Spanish National Police have issued continuous warnings about this new scam, stressing the importance of remaining vigilant and carefully checking any communication or suggestion received via phone calls or digital messages.
Therefore, it is important for all Internet and mobile device users to remain informed and cautious in the face of these new forms of cyber attacks, not only to protect their finances, but also for their personal and legal security.
Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.
