Beware Jobseeker “Add me on WhatsApp” Scam

Those looking for employment or have their contact details registered on various job hunting websites are advised to be cautious of unsolicited phone calls that implore then to add certain phone numbers on messaging app WhatsApp.

The unsolicited phone calls – typically involving a pre-recorded message – make various claims such as “we have reviewed your CV” or that the recipient has qualified for a well-paid position – and then urge the recipient to add a phone number to their WhatsApp account.

This is a trending scam that aims to lure potential victims towards a variety of get-rich-quick scams and work-from-home scams. No legitimate job agencies make unsolicited phone calls to jobseekers in order to lure them into adding them on WhatsApp.

Many versions of the “add me on WhatsApp” scam exist, but concerning those permutations that target jobseekers and those with details listed on employment websites, these phone calls have been linked to the following scams…

Pump-and-Dump Trading/Crypto Schemes:

• Scammers lure victims into purchasing a low-value stock (often penny stocks) through false or misleading information, driving up its price. They sell their shares at the peak, leaving victims with worthless stock when the price crashes.

Ponzi/Pyramid Schemes:

• Victims are lured to “investment opportuities” and promised high returns with little risk. However these opportunities are funded by new investors’ money rather than with actual profits. These inevitably collapse when new investments dry up.

Fake Trading Platforms/Brokers:

• Victims are lured to fraudulent or unregulated trading platforms mimicking legitimate brokers, offering low fees and promoting low risk “methods” for high reward. They may manipulate trades, freeze accounts, or disappear with funds.

Signal Seller Scams:

• Scammers lure victims into purchasing “guaranteed” trading signals or tips, often via Telegram or WhatsApp groups, claiming insider knowledge. The signals are usually worthless or fabricated.

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Crypto Phishing Scams:

• Scammers pose as trustworthy entities or use spoof websites to trick users into revealing private keys, seed phrases, or login credentials.

Crypto Giveaway Scams:

• Scammers impersonate influencers or companies, promising to double your crypto if you send funds to a specific wallet. The funds are never returned.

“Classic” Get-Rich-Quick Scams:

• Scammers promise to be giving away shortcuts or methods to making money quickly by ‘posting links’ or other ‘guaranteed methods’. However these methods are usually just generic online marketing strategies that can be found freely across the Internet.

As usual, these scams use the typical high pressure tactics to lure victims into signing up, usually claiming that the victim needs to sign up immediately or lose their place.

The adage of “if it appears too good to be true, it probably is” applies here. If you get any unsolicited phone call requesting you to add a phone number to your WhatsApp, we recommend ignoring it and blocking the number.