In today’s world, digital convenience comes with a cost. One such costly experience is a WhatsApp video call scam
Remember the time when this feature made connecting to their loved ones easier without feeling apart. But with time, scammers exploit that too, and now use it to run their scams.
So, let’s get back to the details of how the WhatsApp Video Call scam works.
You might have come across either a missed video call or a video call from an unknown number. Many people pick up those calls, thinking it’s their friends or in doubt, not knowing that the scammer is waiting for their action and to swipe away their capital.
Although many people still don’t believe the fact, ‘Can you get scammed on WhatsApp?’, the bitter truth is you can, and anybody can.
This scam is way more dangerous than you can think, and therefore, it is important to stay aware and alert yourself and your loved ones.
WhatsApp Video Call Scam in India
Now, to avoid such scams, it is essential to know how such scams work.
Here is the detail of how it is operated:
- You receive a video call from an unknown number, often international or with a profile that seems fake or flashy.
- If you answer, you may be shown disturbing visuals.
- What you don’t realize is: the call is being recorded silently, with or without your visible reaction.
- Shortly after, you get a threatening message—something along the lines of:
“We have your video. Pay ₹10,000 or it’ll be shared with your contacts.”
In most cases, the scammer impersonates himself or herself as a government official and traps people, mostly senior citizens, in a digital arrest scam.
Irrespective of the type, their end objective is to create fear and extract money.
Why This Scam Works
Wondering why scammers succeed in operating such scams?
Well, it’s simple, they target the psychology of the person rather than just using tech.
Scammers use shock, shame, and urgency to push victims into paying up without thinking twice.
And the thought of a fake or manipulated video going viral? That’s enough to rattle anyone.
Above all, the Fear of embarrassment makes people act impulsively.
Some victims believe they’ve accidentally done something wrong and do as instructed by the scammer to protect their social image.
WhatsApp Video Call Scam – Real Case Study
There have been many cases of WhatsApp video calls, which have been reported in the last few months.
One of those is of a man from Delhi who picked up a late-night video call from an unknown number. What followed was a disturbing video on the other end. Within minutes, he received a message:
“We recorded the whole thing. Transfer ₹25,000, or everyone in your contact list will see it.”
Shocked and confused, he paid the amount instantly. Only later did he realize it was a scam.
Unfortunately, he’s not alone. This pattern is spreading rapidly.
How to Identify a Scammer on WhatsApp
Now, if there are ways to get trapped in such scams, there are other ways to protect yourself, too.
Here are some of the tips that will help you identify and avoid such scams:
- You receive a call from a suspicious number.
- Random video call from an unknown number
- An attractive display picture, and sometimes, the scammer uses an image of your friend or family member to make it look authentic.
- The video call is followed by links that redirect you outside the app.
How to Stay Safe from WhatsApp Video Call Scam?
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself from such scams:
- Don’t pick up unknown video calls.
- Block & report immediately.
- Enable two-step verification.
- Educate family members.
WhatsApp Video Call Scam Complaints
If you have already picked up a video call on WhatsApp from a suspicious number, then do not panic.
Your calmness can help you to find the right direction and recover your losses.
So, the very first step is to report the scammer on WhatsApp and block the contact.
Another important step is to file a complaint. To get assistance in ‘where’ and ‘how’, register with us. Our team will coordinate with you and help you recover from your losses by assisting you in the right follow-ups.
If you paid anything, immediately inform your bank and ask them to flag the transaction.
Conclusion
This scam is clever, not because it’s high-tech, but because it preys on human emotion. In a world where our personal lives are tied to a device, even a short video call can cause a long-term mess.
So next time your phone rings and it’s a video call from an unknown number, let it go. Your safety is worth more than your curiosity.
