## A Scammer's Unexpected Advice
X user, who usually ignores and blocks scam messages on WhatsApp, decided to reply to one recently. He initially planned to confront the scammer but ended up chatting instead. To his surprise, the conversation took a heartwarming turn.
The scammer confessed to scamming people for a decade and explained how APK files can take control of a victim's phone. Surprisingly, he ended the conversation by congratulating X user on his upcoming wedding and offering some valuable cybersecurity tips.
This bizarre incident caught the attention of Vijay Shekhar Sharma, CEO of Paytm, who retweeted the thread and encouraged people to read it. The thread went viral, with users praising the scammer's unexpected helpfulness and sharing their own experiences with scams.
The incident highlights the importance of staying vigilant against scams while also reminding us that even scammers can surprise us with their actions.
## Protecting Yourself from WhatsApp Scams
Be cautious with links and attachments: Don't open links or attachments from unknown senders. Scammers often use enticing offers or urgent messages to trick you into clicking.
If you receive a message from someone you don't know well, or if a friend or family member seems to be acting strangely, confirm their identity through a separate call or text.
This includes bank account details, passwords, and OTPs (one-time passwords).
Limit who can see your profile picture, "About" section, and "Last Seen" status. This reduces the information scammers can use to impersonate you.
Turn on two-step verification and report suspicious activity.
Be skeptical of messages offering free gifts, prizes, or deals that seem too good to be true. Keep your WhatsApp app updated.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to WhatsApp scams.