Identify Prevent Protect: Stay Safe from WhatsApp Scams

These phrases have become a part of our daily conversations.

With over two billion active users, WhatsApp has become the app we use daily for multiple purposes. But the growing number of users has also made it a perfect platform for fraudsters to cast their net.

The circulation of fake messages has led to multiple kinds of WhatsApp scams. From the loss of personal data to financial forgery, innocent people are being targeted and tricked by scamsters.

The solution lies in awareness. If you are aware of the potential tactics of fraudsters, you will be able to recognise the pattern and save yourself from falling prey to the fraud.

This blog aims to help you become more aware of WhatsApp frauds, and inform you about the trusted sources of finding information about Meesho.

Common patterns in WhatsApp Spam Messages

Unknown Numbers -

Occasionally, we all get messages from unknown numbers. For instance, It can be from a friend who changed his/her number.

But a lot of times, these can also be WhatsApp spam messages.

Suspicious Links -

You might receive an unsolicited link from an unknown number on WhatsApp. These links often try to extract your personal information.

Other signs -Below are the guidelines shared by WhatsApp to help you spot an unwanted message -

• Misspellings or grammatical mistakes.
• Asking you to tap on a link or activate new features through a link.
• Asking you to share your personal information, such as credit card or bank account numbers, birth date, and passwords.
• Asking you to forward a message.
• Claiming that you have to pay to use WhatsApp

Common Frauds in E-Commerce

In WhatsApp scams, shoppers are often tricked under the pretext of making some payment or availing of free vouchers.

Below are the two most common types of WhatsApp fraud observed in e-commerce -

Scratch Card In a scratch card scam, fraudsters share a scratch card with the customer through a WhatsApp message. They attach a link to an online form, urging the user to share bank account or personal details and pay some applicable taxes, token/processing fee in advance to claim the reward.

They take special measures to make the message look legitimate.

They make their display picture as the logo of a company. They can potentially add fake signatures of the CEO or company or some bank stamp or may share fake Aadhaar/pan card/fake employeeID card impersonating the employees.

It is important to note that these impersonators have no connection or association with Meesho, and these fake scratch cards/lottery tickets, etc., are not offered by Meesho in any form or manner.

Shopping Vouchers

Just like scratch cards, they might try to lure a customer by sending fake shopping vouchers on WhatsApp.

The customers are requested to share their personal details to redeem the voucher. Thus, creating a setup to trick people into sharing their sensitive data.

What to do when you receive a spam WhatsApp message?

We strongly advise you to not transfer any fee/amount or share your personal data or sensitive data including bank details such as OTP, UPI/ATM PIN, CVV, or credit/debit card details to anyone claiming to be a Meesho’s representative.

You can also receive such fake communication through email, text message or a physical post. Refrain from transferring funds or sharing any details.

You can report such incidents to us at legalsupport@meesho.com.

Preventive Measures

You can outsmart a fraudster if you keep yourself aware of the common tactics used by them in such scams. Below are the measures you can take to effectively prevent lottery scam

• Meesho never asks for OTPs or personal information (name, phone number, email, bank details, login OTP) over calls/emails/posts/WhatsApp messages. Additionally, you will never be contacted personally by Meesho about unauthorised offers, lotteries, contests, schemes, or be requested for money for such participation. If you get a call/message where you are being asked for such details, it is best to not entertain such communication.
• Avoid paying any money or deposit funds to any person wrongfully claiming to be Meesho’s representative or job consultant(s). Neither Meesho nor any of its representatives or authorized recruitment consultants take money or any other kind of payment for employment at Meesho or for enrollment on the Supplier panel of Meesho.
• The caller might ask you to click on an unknown link. By clicking on the link you are at a risk of sharing your personal information. Be cautious about such situations.
• Do not pay fees for any prizes or rewards or lotteries offered on your phone
• Never respond to links asking you to update your user account or password.
• Report such suspicious activity to Meesho’s legal support at legalsupport@meesho.com

Where to Find Reliable Information about Meesho?

We love to connect with you and update you about our offers, sale events, and more. Following are the official sources of accessing information about Meesho

Website — You can shop and access the latest updates and information on https://meesho.com/. It is our official website where you can find trusted information about Meesho.

App Communication — We actively communicate with our users through our app. It is in the form of push notifications, community announcements, and more. You can also use the help section in the app to resolve your queries/complaints.

Official App Download Links Of Meesho — Android iOS

User Support — In a case of fraud or scam, you can reach out to us at legalsupport@meesho.com, for further clarity from our side.

Meesho social media account — We also update you about our exciting events and offers through our social media accounts.

You can connect with us on -

Official Instagram Pages of Meesho: meeshoapp lifeatmeesho

Official Twitter Account of Meesho: @Meesho_Official

Official Medium Account of Meesho: meesho-tech

Ending NotesMeesho takes strong measures in ensuring the safety of its users. We take strict actions against fraudsters. However, to further prevent the occurrences of such fraudulent cases we need our users to act cautiously.

For more information please take a look at our policy on anti phishing.