Police alert over WhatsApp scam using view-once photos for extortion
The National Police warn of a new WhatsApp scam in which cybercriminals send compromising photos to extort victims.
New WhatsApp scam: a photo from a stranger could cost you money
Google News ES — Crime (es) reports on an alert issued by the National Police through their social media channels about a new extortion technique circulating on WhatsApp that uses a simple photograph as bait.
"They say curiosity killed the cat, so do not open the photo." With that warning, the National Police launch a video distributed to alert the public about this method used by cybercriminals.
How the scam works
The fraud begins when the user receives a view-once image sent from an unknown number. The content is typically sensitive or compromising. Once the criminal detects that the photo has been opened, they send a second message claiming to have sent it to the wrong recipient and accuse the victim of having viewed the material.
From that point on, the pressure escalates quickly: the scammer threatens retaliation and demands money in exchange for not acting. If the victim pays, the scam is completed.
What the National Police recommend
The authorities point to three specific measures against this type of message:
- Do not open any image received from a number not listed among your contacts.
- Do not reply to suspicious messages, even if they seem harmless.
- Block the sender and report them immediately.
The National Police have recently warned of other similar digital frauds, including fake banking SMS and the technique known as Relay Attack. The institution regularly uses its social media channels to distribute safety advice relating to mobile phone use.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)