Government warns of WhatsApp Web renting, matrimonial investment scams: How they work and tips to stay safe

The Indian government has issued an advisory warning against two kinds of scams — one is a WhatsApp web account renting scam and other is a type of investment scam happening on matrimonial websites. The advisory has been issued by the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). According to the advisory, certain Facebook & Instagram accounts are publishing advertisements that claim users can “earn cash automatically” by linking their WhatsApp accounts with their platform. These advertisements redirect users to fraud Web pages or Android mobile applications (.apk) that imitate legitimate earning platforms.On the other hand, fraudsters are also creating fake profiles on matrimonial platforms like Jeevansaathi.com, Shaadi.com, Matrimony.com etc. or dating platforms (Tinder, Bumble, Ok Cupid etc.) to emotionally deceive and financially exploit individuals who are genuinely seeking relationships or marriage.The National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit of I4C has identified an emerging transnational crime trend where certain Facebook & Instagram accounts are publishing advertisements that claim users can “earn cash automatically” by linking their WhatsApp accounts with their platform. These advertisementsredirect users to fraud Web pages or Android mobile applications (.apk) that imitate legitimate earning platforms. Unsuspecting individuals are lured by promises of high commissions and passive income, and are instructed to connect their WhatsApp accounts through QR codes.This campaign is orchestrated by threat actors to exploit WhatsApp’s linked device feature which allows web based access to WhatsApp. Such accounts are effectively being rented out as “mule WhatsApp accounts”, which may subsequently be used for illegal activities such as fraud, scams, or dissemination of malicious content.The advisory lists some of the precautionary steps that can be taken to avoid online frauds like USSD-based call forwarding scams. These are:• Renting WhatsApp account and receiving illicit funds can lead to legal consequences, including arrest.• Avoid installing APKs from unknown sources.• Be cautious of Meta Ads that promise quick income, referral commissions, or automatic cash earnings (specially related to stock market investment).• Periodically check for suspicious devices linked to your WhatsApp by navigating to Linked Devices.National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit of I4C has identified a rise in misuse of matrimony platforms leading to investment scams. Based on NCRP complaint analysis, it was observed that fraudsters are creating fake profiles on matrimonial platforms like Jeevansaathi.com, Shaadi.com, Matrimony.com etc. or dating platforms (Tinder, Bumble, Ok Cupid etc.) to emotionally deceive and financially exploit individuals who are genuinely seeking relationships or marriage.The advisory issued by MHA has also listed some precautionary measures which will help individuals from getting scammed: