“Your WhatsApp Messenger account has expired”: beware of the scam

The message invites you to renew WhatsApp due to the false expiration of the registration. But this is another hoax to steal money (or worse, personal data) from unsuspecting users.

“Attention! Your account WhatsApp Delivery courier Timed out. The registration has not been renewed, it expires in 24 hours ”. This is the text of another fraudulent message that is circulating in the popular messaging application ”. Greetings from WhatsApp“, The first part of the message still says.” Here is your code: 635-845 or you can check your device by tapping on this link. “Obviously clicking the link can be very dangerous for your wallet.” WhatsApp does not send greetings “, in fact, the state police write that on Facebook invites users to distrust this type of message.

WhatsApp, the other variant of deception

In short, this is the umpteenth scam that has also circulated in recent months in this other variant: “Renew your WhatsApp Delivery courier. Renew as soon as possible to avoid the loss of all media (images, videos, history…) ”. The price to pay? ” Only “99 cents. But clicking on the link can be much more risky: generally the in fact, the user is invited to respond to requests for personal or banking data. In short, it is good to be on guard, also because not everyone is skilled enough to notice deception.

What to do if you have been scammed

“The problem that still persists,” underlines Giovanni D’Agata from the Office of Rights, “is that many continue to fall into the trap because of the type of text that is made in such a way that it alarms those who have a WhatsApp account by making them you are concerned about losing service and stored data. However, none of this can happen. The owners of applications, including WhatsApp, use specific channels for their updates and, in particular, Apple Store for IOS systems of Apple devices and Market Stores (including Google Play Store) for Android devices “.

“Pay attention is the rule for anyone using connected devices. In case you have ever come across fraud, you can contact the experts of our association through our email contacts. info@sportellodeidiritti.org or signalazioni@sportellodeidiritti.org Immediately evaluate all appropriate solutions to avoid prejudice ”.