{"id":96180,"date":"2019-07-31T10:08:46","date_gmt":"2019-07-31T17:08:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/securingtomorrow.mcafee.com\/?p=96180"},"modified":"2025-08-12T20:37:43","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T03:37:43","slug":"whatsapp-scam-messages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/whatsapp-scam-messages\/","title":{"rendered":"Be Wary of WhatsApp Messages Offering 1000GB of Free Data"},"content":{"rendered":"

Global messaging giant WhatsApp turned 10 years old this year. It’s not unusual for companies to provide loyal customers or members with gifts to show their appreciation during these milestones. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are using this as a ploy to carry out their malicious schemes. According to Forbes<\/a>, security researchers have discovered a fraudulent message promising users 1000GB of free internet data, which is a scam bringing in ad click revenue for cybercriminals.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s dive into the details of this suspicious message. The text reads \u201cWhatsApp Offers 1000GB Free Internet!\u201d and includes a link to click on for more details. However, the link provided doesn\u2019t use an official WhatsApp domain. Many users might find this confusing since some businesses do run their promotions through third-party organizations. Forbes states that once a user clicks on the link, they are taken to a landing page that reads \u201cWe offer you 1000 GB free internet without Wi-Fi! On the occasion of our 10th<\/sup> anniversary of WhatsApp.\u201d To make the user feel like they need to act fast, the landing page also displays a bright yellow countdown sticker warning that there are a limited number of awards left.<\/p>\n

As of now, it doesn\u2019t appear that the link spreads malware or scrapes users\u2019 personal information. However, the scam could eventually evolve into a phishing tactic. Additionally, the more users click on the fraudulent link, the more the cybercriminals behind this scheme rack up bogus ad clicks. This ultimately brings in revenue for the cybercrooks, encouraging them to continue creating these types of scams. For example, the domain being used by the scammers behind the WhatsApp message also hosts other fake brand-led promotional offers for Adidas, Nestle, Rolex, and more.<\/p>\n

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Tips to Stay Secure<\/h2>\n

So, what can users do to prevent falling for these phony ads? Check out the following tips to help you stay secure:<\/p>\n