Social networks involve many dangers. In recent years we have seen how the proliferation of users in spaces like Facebook or WhatsApp unleashed innumerable threats. The more users have these networks, the more opportunities users have to find victims. And in these, they walk.
We are sure that on more than one occasion you have received messages of this style. Some promote fictitious jobs, discount vouchers in stores like Mercadona or false terrorist alerts. Part of these messages only seeks to flood the networks with hoaxes. However, many include links.
Traps in which the most unwary users can easily fall. Introducing personal data, usernames and passwords, addresses, credit card numbers and even bank accounts. Falling into this type of scams and scams can bring us many problems.
If this is just what happened to you and you just realized that you have fallen into a scam, we recommend you take action immediately. This is all you can do before you see yourself in trouble.
What can happen to me and options if I fall into a Facebook or WhatsApp scam
Social networks involve many dangers. In recent years we have seen how the proliferation of users in spaces like Facebook or WhatsApp unleashed innumerable threats. The more users have these networks, the more opportunities users have to find victims. And in these, they walk.
We are sure that on more than one occasion you have received messages of this style. Some promote fictitious jobs, discount vouchers in stores like Mercadona or false terrorist alerts. Part of these messages only seeks to flood the networks with hoaxes. However, many include links.
Traps in which the most unwary users can easily fall. Introducing personal data, usernames and passwords, addresses, credit card numbers and even bank accounts. Falling into this type of scams and scams can bring us many problems.
If this is just what happened to you and you just realized that you have fallen into a scam, we recommend you take action immediately. This is all you can do before you see yourself in trouble.
I have subscribed to a premium SMS service
It is one of the most common scams. The criminals promise users to win a succulent prize (it can be cash, a next-generation mobile phone or a voucher to buy at a fashion store). And for that, they have to enter their number.
On many occasions, users are subscribed to SMS Premium services, so they receive charges each time a message arrives on their mobile. This can end up being a true bleeding, so it is important to take action as soon as possible.
If we start receiving SMS of these characteristics, it will be more convenient to contact your operator to cancel the subscription immediately. All companies allow users to disable premium SMS from their user areas, through the web. But you can also call customer service to request the same. In principle, they will have to unsubscribe instantly and without problems.
To avoid falling into this type of scams, you can also subscribe to a Robinson List. It is a useful way to block the sending of advertising to your mobile through SMS and MMS messages.
I have downloaded a file or malicious program
It is frequent that this type of malicious messages brings some hidden package. A file or a malicious program that can sneak into the bowels of our device. And this is a real danger. But if you have already fallen into the trap, you will have to get down to work to get the brown off of you.
Be clear one thing: if you have installed a program unintentionally or have a malicious file living on your mobile, it will be necessary to do a factory reset. This will involve resetting your device. And therefore, it is recommended that you have a backup copy of your most important files.
Just remember to do the factory reset as soon as possible. While you have not yet done so, do not enter passwords or private data. The criminals could be on the other side by scanning this information and collecting it on their servers.
They have scammed me with a purchase
If you bought something through the Internet, because they promised you a succulent and unrepeatable offer, but you have not received anything in return or you have been charged a fortune for nothing, you have to report it. As you would in real life with any scammer, it is important that the actions you take are proportionate to the size of the scam. For prevent, the scam of your Facebook or WhatsApp uses secure purchase.
In any case, we recommend you go to a police station to file a complaint. Do not forget your ID and all the data linked to the scammer in question. You will also have to provide all the documentary evidence that can serve the police to follow the criminal’s trail. If you have doubts about how to act, we recommend contacting @policia or @guardiacivil. You can do it quickly through Twitter.
I have entered personal information
Another common trap: they ask for your personal information and you enter it in a fraudulent form. In these cases, it is important that you give part of the incident to the Police so that they can carry out the pertinent investigations. And surely warn all Internet users of the danger.
One thing you can do is to maintain a vigilant attitude regarding your data. What does this mean? Well, you must monitor the presence of your data on the Internet. We recommend checking frequently if there is any type of publication with your data. It will be enough if you do a Google search.
You can also set an alert in Google Alerts so that before the appearance of any private information on the Internet, you will receive a notification. And you can take the rectification measures that are appropriate. In this case, contact directly with the page where your data has appeared and, if you do not have that possibility, report it to the authorities. By this way you can prevent the scam of your Facebook or WhatsApp uses secure purchase.
I have entered my credit or debit card information
There is another important danger. Not content with the private data of users, cybercriminals may want something more. It is common for these to request information as important as the numbers of your credit or debit cards. It is also likely that you have also entered your personal information. So we recommend you always be alert to the information that is published on the networks.
In this case, you will have to act as if your credit or debit card has been physically stolen. Call emergency numbers and cancel the cards. If you can, contact your bank to make sure the cards have been canceled. And check any movement that may have existed in your account. Today and in the following days.
Finally, remember that.
It is convenient to avoid falling into these types of traps. Now you know what they are, but always keep in mind the following:
Do not trust sweepstakes, promotions, and other succulent campaigns, in which gifts and cash checks are promised. Do not click on the links, or download any type of file.
The conditions of WhatsApp or Facebook are not going to change radically. Avoid falling into chains that threaten to cancel your account or the service itself, because they are not true, at all.
Buy in trusted sites. Never enter the number of your bank account or credit card, if it is not on reliable sites. Its one of the best option for preventing the scam of your Facebook or WhatsApp uses secure purchase.