Scammers send messages via WhatsApp and social media indicating that you can make money with a simple job for Airbnb. Don’t fall for this! With this so-called advance fee fraud, scammers are causing more and more financial damage. This reports Dutch newssite Nu.nl.
Advance fee fraud
Scammers are getting more and more creative. They pretend to be employees of large organizations. Recently, the name of the popular rental platform Airbnb has also been abused frequently.
Fraudsters add unsolicited individuals to WhatsApp groups supposedly from Airbnb. In this chat group, a so-called employee of the Airbnb promotion team takes charge and orders people to do simple jobs.
For example, people are instructed to like accommodations on Airbnb in exchange for money. The scammers promise to pay a fee for each like. To make sure people trust it, sometimes a fee is doled out in cryptocurrency. Scammers also sometimes use a fake page showing that a payout is ready.
The fraudsters then come up with all kinds of excuses as to why payment is not possible. For example, because there are costs. Those problems can be solved by paying an advance. When you transfer that money, you lose it. You don’t receive the money you were supposed to get.
Prevent WhatsApp Scams
WhatsApp is very popular around the world. This makes the messaging app a great target for cybercriminals. It is recommended to only join groups that you trust and whose members you know personally.
Never take up so-called jobs offered through WhatsApp or social media.
Take a look at our guide on WhatsApp fraud for more information about WhatsApp fraud and how to prevent it.
