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.