Beware of the Myshort.ru scam, a deceptive scheme that has been targeting unsuspecting individuals through WhatsApp messages. This malicious website disguises itself as a legitimate link shortening service but instead redirects users to fraudulent pages, putting their personal information and financial security at risk.
Scammers exploit the trust of friends and acquaintances, enticing victims with offers of winning cash prizes or gift cards from popular brands like SUPER BOCK, Shein, and Peroni. Once lured in, users are tricked into sharing their personal data and credit card details, leading to expensive subscriptions and unauthorized charges.
Don’t fall for this trap! Read the full article to learn more about the Myshort.ru scam and how to protect yourself from such fraudulent activities.
QUICK LINKS
- How the Myshort.ru Whatsapp Scam works
- Is the Myshort.ru WhatsApp message a virus?
- What to do when you receive the Myshort.ru WhatsApp message?
How the Myshort.ru Whatsapp Scam works
The Myshort.ru Whatsapp scam has emerged as a malicious scheme designed to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals. This scam operates through Whatsapp messages, using enticing tactics and false promises to lure victims into clicking on a seemingly innocent link. However, this link redirects users to the fraudulent website Myshort.ru, which poses a significant threat to personal information and financial security.
Scammers employ the Chain-letter method, spreading scam messages via Whatsapp to exploit the trust between friends and acquaintances. The messages often appear to be sent by known contacts, amplifying the credibility of the scam. These messages are carefully crafted, featuring attractive slogans and offers, such as winning cash prizes or gift cards from renowned brands like SUPER BOCK, Shein, and Peroni.
Upon clicking the Myshort.ru link, victims are redirected to a page that presents itself as a chance to receive a prize by completing a short and anonymous survey. The scam goes a step further by employing JavaScript code to validate the user’s request, primarily targeting mobile devices like smartphones. This code collects geolocation data based on the victim’s IP address, determining the country-specific redirection.
Successful validation leads victims to the Myshort.ru page, where they are prompted to answer a series of questions. Once the user completes the questionnaire, a congratulatory message appears, followed by a game where the victim must choose from a selection of boxes. The scam ensures that the second box always contains a prize, intensifying the illusion of winning.
To claim the prize, victims are instructed to send a message about the draw to 20 friends on Whatsapp. This step is designed to further propagate the scam. Once the victim shares the message, they are directed to a subsequent page that requires them to enter personal information and credit card details for supposed prize delivery payment. However, this is a ploy to collect the user’s data and automatically subscribe them to an expensive subscription service, leading to recurring charges until canceled.
Myshort.ru SUPER BOCK Scam: One variation of the Myshort.ru Whatsapp scam involves using the popularity of the renowned beer brand SUPER BOCK as bait. Victims receive messages enticing them with the opportunity to win a refreshing summer gift. The message claims that by answering a brief questionnaire, they can have a chance to win a refrigerator filled with Super Bock. This clever manipulation of the brand’s appeal aims to lure unsuspecting individuals into engaging with the scam.
Myshort.ru Shein Scam: Another variant of the Myshort.ru Whatsapp scam exploits the well-known fashion brand Shein. Victims receive messages offering them the chance to participate in a special summer contest presented by Shein. The message tempts users to answer a short questionnaire, promising a free gift card worth $500 as a reward. This enticing offer capitalizes on the popularity of Shein and tricks individuals into providing personal information, falling victim to the scam.
Myshort.ru Peroni Scam: In yet another iteration of the Myshort.ru Whatsapp scam, scammers target victims by using the renowned Italian beer brand Peroni as a lure. Messages promoting the summer experience of Peroni are sent, accompanied by the promise of winning a mini refrigerator filled with the brand’s beer. To participate, victims are asked to answer a brief questionnaire. The fraudulent intention behind this scheme is to deceive individuals into sharing their personal and financial information, potentially leading to further harm and financial loss.
In conclusion, the Myshort.ru Whatsapp scam demonstrates the cunning tactics employed by scammers to exploit unsuspecting individuals through deceptive messages. Whether using the allure of popular brands like SUPER BOCK, Shein, or Peroni, these scammers play on the desire for rewards and prizes. By redirecting victims to the fraudulent website Myshort.ru and enticing them with surveys and contests, they trick users into sharing personal information and potentially falling victim to financial loss. It is crucial to remain vigilant, question suspicious messages, and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and others from falling prey to the Myshort.ru Whatsapp scam and similar fraudulent activities.
Is the Myshort.ru WhatsApp message a virus?
NO, the Myshort.ru WhatsApp message itself is not a virus. Instead, it serves as a tool used by scammers to deceive and manipulate unsuspecting individuals. The message typically contains a link that redirects users to the fraudulent website Myshort.ru. It is on this website that the actual scam takes place, attempting to trick users into providing personal information and credit card details. It is important to note that while the Myshort.ru WhatsApp message is not a virus, engaging with the scam can expose individuals to potential risks, such as identity theft, financial fraud, or malware infections.
If you receive a suspicious message from a scammer, you can block the sender on WhatsApp to prevent them from contacting you again. To block a sender on WhatsApp, simply open the chat with the sender, tap on their name or phone number, scroll down to the bottom of the screen, and tap on “Block”. You can also report the message as spam or abuse by tapping on the “Report” option in the menu. This will help WhatsApp to identify and take action against malicious actors who engage in fraudulent activities on the platform.
Examples of such scams
As with most scams, the Myshort.ru WhatsApp scam is just one example of many similar schemes that aim to trick unsuspecting victims into giving away personal information or falling victim to malware. These types of scams often use tactics such as offering prizes or gifts, using familiar brand names, and creating a sense of urgency or excitement to encourage victims to act quickly without thinking. Below we’ll highlight a few examples of these scams to help you stay informed and avoid falling victim to them.
Here are a few links to examples of similar scams: Shein Summer Giveaway Scam, Mr Beast Giveaway Scam, and Samsung Mobile Promo Draw Scam.
Always be wary of WhatsApp messages that offer prizes or ask for personal information, and if you’re not sure if a message is legitimate, do some research or contact the company directly to verify.
-
- Shein Summer Giveaway Scam
-
- Pit Boss Grill Facebook Scam
-
- McDonalds Fathers Day Promotion Scam
-
- Ninja NeverDull Premium Knife Set Scam
-
- Mr Beast Giveaway Scam YouTube 25 No ClickBait Giveaway
What to do when you receive the Myshort.ru WhatsApp message?
If you receive the Myshort.ru WhatsApp message, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and others from falling victim to the scam. Here’s what you can do:
- Recognize that the Myshort.ru WhatsApp message is a scam and avoid clicking on any links within the message. Be cautious, even if the message appears to come from a familiar person, as scammers often use the chain-letter method to spread the scam through friends and contacts.
- If the message comes from a familiar person, it’s essential to try to inform them that it is a scam. Reach out to the person through a separate and trusted communication channel, such as a direct phone call or a face-to-face conversation, to let them know about the scam and advise them to avoid engaging with it.
- Spread awareness about the Myshort.ru WhatsApp scam among your friends, family, and social circles. Inform them about the tactics used by scammers and encourage them to be cautious when receiving similar messages, emphasizing the importance of not clicking on any suspicious links.
- Delete the Myshort.ru WhatsApp message. In WhatsApp, you can delete the scam message by long-pressing on it, selecting the delete option, and choosing whether to delete it just for yourself or for everyone in the chat. Removing the message can help prevent others from accidentally engaging with the scam.
- Report the incident to WhatsApp by forwarding the scam message to their support team. This can be done by selecting the message, tapping the forward option, and sending it to the official WhatsApp support contact or email provided on their website. Reporting the scam helps WhatsApp take action against the fraudulent activities.
- If you have already clicked on the link and provided any personal information, you should take immediate steps to protect yourself from potential identity theft or financial fraud. This includes monitoring your bank and credit card accounts for any suspicious activity, changing your passwords, and contacting your financial institutions to alert them of the potential breach. You may also want to consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your accounts to prevent any unauthorized access. Use the steps (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed) to try to stop a transaction, get a transaction reversed, or get a refund.
Remember, staying informed and spreading awareness are essential steps in combating scams like the Myshort.ru WhatsApp scam. By taking these proactive measures, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.
Threat Summary
| Name | Myshort.ru WhatsApp Scam, “Myshort.ru spam”, “Myshort.ru virus” |
| Type | WhatsApp Scam |
| Disguise | Disguised as URL shortener and survey participation |
| Fake claims | Offers cash prizes, gift cards from popular brands like SUPER BOCK, Shein, and Peroni |
| Damage | Potential financial loss, identity theft, unauthorized charges, risk of malware infections |
| Indicators of the Scam | Messages with enticing offers, claims of winning prizes, requests for personal information or credit card details in exchange for prizes or rewards |
| Distribution methods | Spread through WhatsApp messages, Chain-letter method in spreading scam messages |
| Prevention Tips | Don’t click on suspicious links, be wary of unsolicited messages offering prizes or gifts, verify information with the brand directly, do not forward the message to others, use antivirus software and keep it up-to-date |
| Reporting Info | Report the message to WhatsApp by selecting “Report” within the message or contact local authorities if you have fallen victim to the scam. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Myshort.ru WhatsApp scam represents a significant threat to individuals’ personal information and financial security. The scam operates through deceptive messages sent via WhatsApp, enticing victims with fake claims of winning cash prizes or gift cards from popular brands like SUPER BOCK, Shein, and Peroni. Scammers employ tactics such as disguising themselves as URL shorteners and using survey participation as a guise to collect personal information and credit card details. The consequences of falling victim to this scam can include financial loss, identity theft, and even the risk of malware infections.
To protect oneself, it is essential to exercise caution, be skeptical of unsolicited messages, and avoid sharing personal information or clicking on unfamiliar links. By staying informed and vigilant, individuals can safeguard themselves against the Myshort.ru WhatsApp scam and similar fraudulent activities.
