Signal, a widely used messaging app, is celebrated for its end-to-end encryption and commitment to user privacy. While Signal is legit, its popularity has also attracted cybercriminals who exploit the app for scams. Understanding how these scams operate is essential for safe online communication. Read on to learn more, how to protect yourself, and how Trend Micro ScamCheck will safeguard your defenses.

5 Common Signal App Scams

• Fake Hiring Scams
• Romance Scams
• Fake Prize Scams
• Impersonation Scams
• Wrong Number Scams

Fake Hiring Scams

Scammers reach out with unsolicited job offers, often for remote work, or post fake jobs online, directing applicants to contact them on Signal for details.

Once they establish contact, they may ask for upfront payments for training or background checks or request sensitive information like your bank details or Social Security number under the guise of onboarding. This data is then used for fraud or identity theft.

How to Protect Yourself: Avoid job offers that require Signal for communication. Legitimate employers won’t ask for money or sensitive details during the hiring process. Verify the company by visiting their official website or looking up reviews online.

Romance Scams

Scammers posing as romantic interests contact you on Signal, often claiming to be from another country with limited dating opportunities. They build trust by expressing interest in a relationship and engaging in regular conversation.

After gaining your confidence, they might request money, citing emergencies, travel expenses, or other fabricated needs. Victims often face financial loss and emotional distress.

How to Protect Yourself: Be cautious of strangers expressing romantic interest on Signal. Stick to reputable dating platforms and never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Remember, genuine love probably won’t require immediate financial assistance.

Fake Prize Scams

These scams involve receiving messages claiming you’ve won a prize. To claim it, scammers ask you to pay a processing fee, click a link (often a malware trap), or share personal details that can be used for identity theft.

How to Protect Yourself: If you haven’t entered a contest, you haven’t won a prize. Avoid clicking links, providing personal information, or paying any fees. Delete such messages immediately and block the sender.

Impersonation Scams

Scammers impersonate trusted contacts, such as friends or family, and claim to be in urgent need of money. They use familiar profile pictures and names to make their pleas seem genuine.

How to Protect Yourself: Always verify such requests by contacting the person directly through another method. Ask specific questions that only the real person would know the answers to before sending money or sensitive information.

Wrong Number Scams

This scam begins with a message from someone claiming to have sent it to the wrong number. They might say something like, “Hey, got my new phone!” or “Hi, long time no see!”.

If you engage, they’ll apologize and attempt to build a rapport, often sharing personal details or asking about your life. Over time, they might introduce a fabricated crisis, such as needing financial help, or an “investment opportunity”, exploiting the emotional connection they’ve built.

How to Protect Yourself: Don’t engage with suspicious messages from unknown numbers. Politely acknowledge the mistake and end the conversation. If they persist, you can use a reverse phone lookup service to verify their identity. Avoid sharing personal details or getting drawn into extended conversations.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify contacts: Always double-check the authenticity of a contact, especially if they request sensitive information or money. Confirm their identity using a different communication method.
• Beware of suspicious links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. If a link claims to be from a known organization, verify its legitimacy by visiting the organization’s official website.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Use Signal’s built-in 2FA feature to add an extra layer of security to your account.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information: Never share passwords, bank details, or other confidential information via messaging apps unless you are absolutely certain of the recipient’s identity.
• Update the app regularly: Keeping Signal updated ensures you benefit from the latest security patches and features designed to prevent scams.

Protect Yourself with Trend Micro ScamCheck

With the increasing number and sophistication of scams, staying one step ahead is more crucial than ever. Unfortunately, antivirus software alone isn’t enough. Introducing the newly updated Trend Micro ScamCheck! Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection from deceptive phishing scams, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology. Stay secure and scam-free.
• SMS Filter & Call Block: Say goodbye to unwanted spam and scam calls and messages. Minimize daily disruptions and reinforce your defenses against phishing.
• Deepfake Scan: Detect deepfakes in real-time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI face-swapping technology to alter their appearance.
• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download Trend Micro ScamCheck or to learn more, click the button below. As ever, if you’ve found this article an interesting or helpful read, please SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected. Also, please consider clicking the LIKE button or sharing your experience in a comment below.