A scam on WhatsApp targets Vodafone landline customers who asked for assistance for a telephone breakdown: here's how to defend yourself
Scams on WhatsApp don't stop even at Christmas. This time to be targeted are Vodafone landline users, who in recent days have been contacted on WhatsApp by a hypothetical "Technical Department" of the telephone operator that required through the application a copy of identification documents (driver's license and identity card). Vodafone does not contact its customers via the WhatsApp number and above all does not ask for the documents to be sent via the messaging application.
Behind the number of the "Technical Department" there are scammers who are looking for personal documents that they can sell on the dark web or use in other scams. To report the scam is the social account of the State Police "Una vita da social" always ready to support users and warn them of the dangers of the Web. Vodafone has also taken action and to protect its customers has already filed a complaint with the judicial authorities. WhatsApp is a very useful application to stay in touch with friends and family, but it can also be used to cheat defenseless people.
Vodafone, how the scam works on WhatsApp
The scam started after a Vodafone landline customer contacted customer service to report a fault. Within a few hours he received a message on WhatsApp from a hypothetical Vodafone "Technical Department" asking for an identification document (driver's license and identity card) in order to have the specialized technician intervene. After the document had been sent, the number no longer responded to the user's messages.
Behind the "Technical Department" number are people who are experts in the field and are looking for original documents that they can resell or use in other scams. This is not the first time that hackers have created such a scam and unfortunately there are many people who fall for it. Remember that companies such as Vodafone never require you to send documents via WhatsApp, but only through official tools.
How to defend yourself against WhatsApp scams
It is not easy to recognize a scam on WhatsApp, but very often you just need to be a little bit informed. No multinational company asks for money and documents via WhatsApp, but always encourage to use safe and secure tools. Also, technical support does not contact customers via WhatsApp: the first approach is always via voice calls. When you receive messages requesting you to send documents, always call the customer service of that company and make sure that the number that contacted you is reliable.