Beware of disappearing photos on WhatsApp: the new scam targeting users | TodoAlicante

Many believe they have seen every trick in the book when it comes to WhatsApp scams, but cybercriminals are constantly one step ahead. Spain’s National Police have issued an alert urging users to beware of the latest scheme circulating on the messaging platform. It involves ‘view once’ media—photos and videos that disappear immediately after being opened. But what does the trickery actually entail? Rafael López, Workspace Security Engineer at Check Point Software, explains that “viewing these images—sent from an unknown number—does not in itself pose a direct danger. The real risk lies in what follows: the photograph may contain a deceptive message, a bogus offer, or an alleged confidential screenshot prompting the recipient to click an external link, download an executable file, or surrender their credentials.” In other words, fraudsters use these ephemeral messages as an entry point for various malicious objectives. “Their aims can range from hijacking WhatsApp accounts using verification codes to harvesting personal data through phishing for extortion, identity theft, or redirection to fraudulent platforms,” the expert explains. The criminal shift towards single-view media relies heavily on psychological manipulation. “This WhatsApp feature fosters a false sense of privacy, urgency, and curiosity. Knowing they have only one chance
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