The notification sounds innocuous: „+91 97997 09141 has added you.“ But for many, it is currently the start of an annoying internet experience. Users of the WhatsApp messenger service are increasingly reporting that they are being added to unfamiliar WhatsApp groups by unknown phone numbers without their consent. Most of the numbers originate from abroad, often from India and Indonesia. This is reported by the security platform Mimikama, which educates people about internet abuse and has published a screenshot of just such a notification.
At first glance, the groups appear harmless, but Mimikama warns that they often conceal a scam. Recent examples show that fraudsters try to build trust by advertising investment promises, alleged job offers, or competitions. According to Mimikama, the criminals’ goal is usually to obtain personal data or money. Often, there is no discernible connection between the groups or the invited users.
Fraud attempt on WhatsApp: Here are tips on how to react correctly
But what should those affected do if such chat messages suddenly appear on their cell phones? Mimikama advises users in such cases to leave the group immediately and block the unknown phone numbers to prevent further contact attempts. The group should then be reported to WhatsApp.
According to Mimikama, under no circumstances should you reply to messages or click on links, as these could contain malware or lead to scam sites. Personal data or photos also have no place in suspicious WhatsApp groups.
Of course, it is best not to get into such a situation in the first place. The platform also has a tip for this: in the WhatsApp settings, under Privacy, you can specify that only your own contacts are allowed to add you to a group.