Wp20.ru What is it?
Wp20.ru Whatsapp Scam is a scam that is spread through the WhatsApp messaging platform. In this type of scam, the attacker sends messages to potential victims, offering a free gift or prize in exchange for clicking on a link or providing personal information. The messages often impersonate a well-known brand, such as Google (Milka, Takealot, etc), to make them seem more credible.
Once the victim clicks on the link, they may be redirected to a fake website where they are asked to provide personal information or complete a survey. The information provided is then used by the attacker for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or financial fraud.
Here’s an example of a Wp20.ru Whatsapp Scam:
A Wp20.ru Scam message:
Kostenlosen Oster-Geschenkkörben
von Milka
5.000 Gratisgeschenke für Sie
milka.dehttps://wp20.ru/txxxxxxxxx/
QUICK LINKS
- Is Wp20.ru message a SCAM?
- How Does the Wp20.ru Scam Work?
- How to spot a WhatsApp giveaway scam?
- How to protect against WhatsApp giveaway scam?
- Report a Scam
How Does the Wp20.ru Scam Work?
Wp20.ru is a phishing scam that has been happening since 2022. In this scam, the attacker sends messages through WhatsApp claiming to be from Milka and offering free gifts. The goal of the attacker is to get the recipient to click a malicious link by tempting them with the false promise of gifts. The scam leverages the reputation of the Milka brand to make it seem more credible.
When the link is clicked, Wp.20 uses JavaScript code to check if the request is coming from a mobile device such as a smartphone. If this check passes, the website will access the victim’s geolocation data based on their IP address and redirect them to a fake survey page that asks the victim to answer questions. If the check fails, the victim will be redirected to a URL that shows a 404 error.
Here’s a screenshot of a fake survey page:
Wp20.ru promises that the user can earn a reward by participating in a brief and confidential survey. However, after finishing the questions, the user is redirected to a website with a form that requires them to provide personal information. This information can then be exploited for malicious purposes, such as making fraudulent purchases, unauthorized transfers, or being sold to criminals on the dark web.
Text presented on the Wp20.ru page:
Hallo,
Willkommen bei der Milka Ostereiersuche.
Mach das kurze Quiz, finde den versteckten Hasen und
gewinne einen exklusiven Milka SchokoladenkorbEs sind noch 250 Geschenke übrig.
Frage 1 von 4: Kennen Sie Milka ?
To summarize, the Wp20.ru giveaway is completely false and has no association with the real Milka. The goal of the scam is to deceive people into revealing their personal and financial information. The scam can lead to various negative consequences for the victims, including identity theft, financial loss, and damage to their personal reputation. By tricking people into providing personal information, the attackers can use it for malicious purposes such as identity theft, financial fraud, and more. The consequences of falling for a phishing scam can be serious and long-lasting, making it important to always be cautious and vigilant when it comes to online communications and offers.
How to spot a WhatsApp giveaway scam?
Here are some signs that may indicate a WhatsApp giveaway scam:
- Unsolicited message: If you receive a message about a giveaway or prize from an unknown or unexpected source, be wary as this may be a phishing attempt.
- Urgency: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly. Be wary of messages that demand immediate action or threaten consequences if you do not act quickly.
- Free offers: Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, especially if they require you to provide personal information. Legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive information in exchange for a free gift.
- Impersonation of a trusted brand: The scam message may use the name of a well-known company, such as Google, to make it seem more credible. Check the sender’s information and look for signs of impersonation.
- Requests for personal information: Be cautious of messages that ask for personal information, such as passwords, bank account numbers, or Social Security numbers. Legitimate companies will not ask for this information via WhatsApp or any other instant messaging platform.
Examples of such scams
The Wp20.ru WhatsApp Scam is just one of the many types of scams that exist. In some emails and text messages, scammers use threats to intimidate and bully a victim into paying, others contain links to malicious files. PNC Scam Text Frozen Account Message, Security Check Against Your PayPal account Scam, Desert Fields Bentons Sofa Scam Text, Your Netflix account has been suspended Scam Text, Geek Squad EMAIL SCAM, Your Package Cannot Be Delivered Text Scam are some of the scams we reported recently.
How to protect against WhatsApp giveaway scam?
To protect against the WhatsApp giveaway scam, follow these guidelines:
- Verify the source: Always make sure to verify the authenticity of the sender before clicking any links or providing personal information. Do not trust unsolicited messages or offers, especially if they come from an unknown source.
- Don’t share personal information: Be wary of providing personal information, especially sensitive details such as passwords, bank account numbers, or Social Security numbers. Legitimate companies will not ask for this information via WhatsApp or any other instant messaging platform.
- Check the URL: Before clicking on a link, check the URL to make sure it is legitimate and not a fake website designed to look like a real one. Be especially cautious of short URLs that may redirect you to a different website. Use a free URL Checker (https://www.virustotal.com/gui/home/url) to check the link. It allows checking the safety of a link without clicking on it.
- Use anti-virus software: Keep your device protected with anti-virus software that can detect and block malicious websites and links.
- Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest phishing scams and techniques so you can recognize them and protect yourself.
By being vigilant and following these guidelines, you can protect yourself from the WhatsApp giveaway scam and other similar phishing attempts.
Below is another example of a Wp20.ru scam:
Threat Summary
Name | Wp20.ru Whatsapp Scam, “Wp20.ru spam”, “Wp20.ru virus”, “Wp20.ru malware” |
Type | scam, phishing, fake alerts |
Fake claims | Kostenlosen Oster-Geschenkkörben von Milka 5.000 Gratisgeschenke für Sie, Mach das kurze Quiz, finde den versteckten Hasen und gewinne einen exklusiven Milka Schokoladenkorb |
Detection names | Phishing, Malware, Malicious |
Distribution methods | Whatsapp spam campaigns |
Damage | Financial loss: The scam may trick the victim into providing financial information, which can be used to steal money; Identity theft: The scam may collect personal information, which can be used to steal the victim’s identity; Loss of privacy: The scam may also gather sensitive information, which can be used to access the victim’s online accounts; Installation of malware: The scam may trick the victim into downloading malicious software; Spread of the scam: The scam can also spread from victim to victim, as the attacker may use the victim’s contact list to send similar messages to others. |
Report a Scam
If you have received the Wp20.ru Whatsapp SCAM message or a fake giveaway message that is similar but not the same as the example above, then post it as comment on this article. Please include the telephone number the text came from. This helps us to warn users about current scams, monitor trends and disrupt scams where possible.