“Like” videos, Mercado Pago scam and WhatsApp hack: new scams and how to avoid getting caught

The delicate economic crisis that Argentines are experiencing means that more and more criminals are looking for mobile phone users who are able to do anything to make money quickly and without regard to the consequences. The attractive offer comes via WhatsApp from an unknown number Faced with the need to pay off debts or face daily expenses, there are very few who realize this New approaches to “Uncle’s Story”, but in a digital version.

The three that have spread the most in recent months among unsuspecting users are the scam that uses the name Mercado Pago to leave you without money in your account, the proposal to give “likes” to videos on social networks in exchange for money and theft. From your WhatsApp line to borrow money from your contacts or request to exchange dollars.

To avoid falling into these traps, it is essential to be aware of how these scammers operate.

WhatsApp users get an exciting financial offer in exchange for a “like” YouTube and TikTok videos. To convince them, the scammers show them screenshots containing supposed transactions worth thousands of pesos made for the supposed participants in this dynamic. Offer $50 for every “like” Under the pretext of promoting certain profiles of celebrities or influencers.

The trap consists of sending links to videos or posts for users to watch, and then, before making the first payment for the “work,” They require an initial deposit to enable the bonus system. When the victim transports, the criminals roadblock And there is no way to get a refund.

In the face of this deception, WhatsApp recommends not starting conversations with unknown people who have numbers from abroad, and not providing personal information or money to anyone until their identity is verified.

Among the most suspicious characteristics that messages may have, you should consider the following: It has misspellings and grammatical errors, and they ask you to open a link or activate new functions through it, control your cell phone and access your contacts. Finally, it is necessary to block and report the sender, as well as delete the message when it arrives.

From Mercado Pago they warned of an increase in phone scams in which criminals pretend to be fintech employees and contact the user through WhatsApp or a phone call to… Excuse that a large purchase has been discovered From your virtual wallet account which requires Validated or cancelledIf it is not implemented.

To do this, scammers ask for personal information and a password under the pretext of being able to “help.” Once they have the information, they enter the account and transfer the money they find to the unfunded account.

Therefore, if you receive emails, messages or calls purporting to be from Mercado Pago, You do not have to provide any kind of information or rush to make incorrect decisions.. If this happens, you must block or disconnect and communicate with the company through its official channels.

It starts with an unexpected message from a friend suggesting there was an error sending the six-digit verification code to your phone and asking you to resend it. The victim, who did not request any code, could believe the message was real, allowing criminals to register and access their WhatsApp account on another device. After resending the code, the cybercriminal registers the victim’s account on another phone, preventing access to the original account.

They then activate two-step verification, which prevents the victim from recovering the account, and then carry out scams through emergency messages asking for money from the victim’s contacts.

Once they have access to your contacts, the scammer initiates a message from an unknown number pretending to be a known person, maintaining the appearance of a legitimate profile, including photo and account name, and sometimes using nicknames for added credibility. After a short conversation, they inquire about Buying the dollar at a lower price than the official rate.

If someone shows interest, a money transfer is requested to complete the supposed transaction.. Once the money has been transferredThe scammer promises to deliver the dollars, but… The user is banned immediatelykeeping money without fulfilling his part of the bargain.