Whats App scam - do I need to do anything?

steelframedhouse

I received identical Whats app messages from two contacts telling me to 'click here' for a Sainsbury's gift card. I'm well aware it was likely to be a scam so didn't click the link... on googling it said it's best to delete the message.

On Whats app to 'select' the message for deletion you have to tap on it and this has opened the link that I would never be foolish enough to willingly open! I closed the tab straight away but the articles on this scam talk of the scammers basically owning my phone now :rotfl:

"Once the unsuspecting victim clicks on the malicious link, the scammers could then collect personal information from their device, install tracking cookies on their phone or add a browser extension that can be used to serve more adverts to them, according to security researchers. They could also install malicious software onto the unsuspecting user's device."

My phone is an iPhone 5S... I didn't provide any personal info, just accidentally clicked on the link - am I likely safe or is there anything I need to do?

Thanks in advance:)

RumRat

Just Spam and it happens on Whatsapp occasionally.....Just hit the three dots top right along side the number/contact name - then tap 'More' - then 'Block'.
If you want to just clear a chat then the option for that is there also.

ballyblack

do I need to do anything?

very common, its just a silly spam chain message, ignore/delete

If you open it it says to forward to 10 people to get a reward thats all!

It will be probably be from one of your contacts who forwarded to you to get a un-existent reward!

so maybe? don't block their number, but let them know about spam messages they are forwarding?


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steelframedhouse

Thanks both, they're friends from work so I won't block them - I assumed their phones had been hacked as wouldn't have thought either of them were thick enough to believe its genuine!

I was just worried about virus' / malware etc from having inadvertently clicked on the link.

ballyblack

I get one of these Spams about once a week and Yes! we all have 'thick' contacts who think you get an reward/money off coupon by forwarding chain emails

Old as the internet itself