If you send a selfie to scammers, they will be able to create accounts in your name — for example, on cryptocurrency exchanges — with a view to using them to launder money. As a result, you may run into problems with the law.
Identity thieves could potentially gather information on you from images that you share online. A photo posted on your birthday, for example, would provide them with your date of birth, whereas a photo of a new house could potentially give them details of where you live.
They could use it to create a fake online profile, catfish someone, or use it for identity theft purposes. If they have access to other personal information about you, they could combine that with your picture to create a more convincing fake profile.
They ask for money or help with family problems — Catfishing often evolves to financial fraud. If someone starts asking for expensive gifts or cash to help with unexpected expenses, they're probably trying to scam you.
“Criminals who have collected enough personal information on you could commit identity fraud.” Your face can be used in crimes, either targeting you or as an accomplice to one.
It's all in the metadata
Every time you snap a picture, your phone stores metadata. That includes details like the device you took it on, your camera settings, the data and where you took it. This is also known as EXIF data. Sending someone a picture you took at a public place?
This information often includes date created, author, file name, content, themes and more. Photo metadata offers users a better way to organize, sort and maintain image files within a system. Without metadata, there's only so much information we can gather from just looking at a photo.
Spammers are trying to contact as many people as possible, so you might become a member of multiple suspicious group chats. If you've been added to a group and the conversation is filled with scam signs such as links, frequently-forwarded messages, or “amazing business opportunities”, it's better to leave it.
If the request for money is legitimate, and the person is who they say they are, they would likely reach out through other means, not just WhatsApp. Pay attention to the urgency of the request too. Scammers will want money as soon as possible. The more urgent the message and request, the more likely it is a scam.
Be on the lookout for these red flags: Being asked to pay money in order to receive a prize or get a job. Pressure to act immediately. Use of scare tactics, e.g. telling you a loved one is in danger, that your computer has been hacked or threatening arrest if you don't act now.
Sending videos or pictures of yourself to people you don't know is dangerous. Unfortunately, any communication with people you don't know is dangerous. Sometimes abusers will pretend to be your age. You may think you are sexting with people you think are your friends and people you can trust.
Scammers will ask you for money.
Once they gain your trust, they'll ask for your help to pay medical expenses (for them or a family member), buy their ticket to visit you, pay for their visa, or help them pay fees to get them out of trouble. They may even offer to help you get started in cryptocurrency investing.
Extort or blackmail you. Some scammers will use your phone number to threaten or blackmail you, using sensitive images or videos that they have obtained to coerce you into sending them money. Google Voice scams. Scammers can set up a Google Voice number with your phone number.
Con artists are present on most dating and social media sites. The scammer's intention is to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endear himself to the victim, and gain trust. Scammers may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen.
Warning Signs to Look Out For
The relationship is moving fast and the scammer quickly professes their love for you. They want to act fast before their target catches on to their antics. Phony suitors lavish you with attention and repeatedly promise to meet you in person, but always have an excuse and have to cancel.
How safe is WhatsApp video chat? WhatsApp video calls are encrypted, meaning only call participants can access the conversation. However, if you've previously clicked on malicious links, your device may be infected with a virus. This could grant hackers access to everything you do or store on your phone.
Second, replying to an email notifies the scammer that your email address is active. This makes you a high priority for additional attacks. Scammers can also sell your email to other attackers.
Call the phone number from a private line.
If you're still stumped on whether the phone number on someone's WhatsApp profile is legitimate, you can call the phone number (from your phone, not using WhatsApp voice chat) to see who answers.
Is WhatsApp safe for sending private photos? WhatsApp encrypts your data while in transit, which makes the app a good option for sending private photos. While images and videos are moving between users, they are encrypted and cannot be decrypted until they reach their intended recipient.
However, just like regular SMS or phone calls, it's possible for other WhatsApp users who have your phone number to contact you. They may or may not be in your contacts. These people might send you messages because they want to spread misinformation or to trick you into giving them money.
Often it includes: Device information (model, sometimes serial number) Photograph information (Resolution, aperture, focal length, size, etc) GPS Information (Lat, Long)
The screenshot will contain metadata only about the time and location of the screenshot, not the time the photo was originally taken. But metadata is not all you should be thinking about.
The more apps you're using, the higher the chances of a data breach. Hackers can gain control over your phone through malicious apps. Once this happens, they can delete your social profiles or share your pics. Your credit card information is at risk, too.