WhatsApp has recently introduced the Context Card feature for groups. This feature aims to give users essential information before they join a group, helping to protect them from the WhatsApp group scams that have been reported in the media.
“This is particularly helpful if you just met someone or a group of people, and haven’t yet saved them in your contacts – or it can help confirm whether or not it’s a group you know or want to be in,” WhatsApp said. This feature can assist users in avoiding WhatsApp group scams.
WhatsApp group scams: What are they and context card
WhatsApp users have been targeted by a scam in which fraudsters trick people into joining a group chat, potentially leading to financial losses for their friends and family. To deceive users, scammers use a fake audio call, profile picture, and display name. They offer seemingly insightful stock market tips to create an illusion of legitimacy.
The potential victim is then added to a group of other fraudsters who persuade them of the benefits of the deal. Encouraged by these interactions, the victim feels confident, and the large number of participants adds to the credibility illusion. Once the victim is convinced, the fraudsters introduce a specific “share trading account” and software that manipulates results to display fake profits, making victims believe their investments are yielding significant returns.
After gaining the victim’s trust, they request a sum of money. Once the money is transferred, the scammers disappear, causing financial loss. The new “context card” feature in WhatsApp provides necessary information, such as who added you, the group creator, the date, and the group’s purpose when you are added to a group. This information helps users decide if the group is relevant and whether they should join or leave.