Beware of WhatsApp Scams – And How to Report One When You See It

Main Takeaways

• Impersonators often use WhatsApp and other messaging platforms for phishing scams, trying to deceive users into sharing personal details. 

• While Binance does have an official Whatsapp channel, we will never reach out to users on WhatsApp with investment advice, discussion of crypto purchases, or requests for funds. All communication is conducted exclusively through our official platforms.

• Be careful of suspicious groups on WhatsApp — stay vigilant and always refer to Binance's official communication channels.

• Report suspicious groups using our dedicated link.

Your safety and account security is of the utmost importance to us. 

We have been made aware of incidents where individuals impersonate Binance leadership and staff on WhatsApp groups to deceive users into sharing sensitive information. You should be informed and prepared to protect yourself from these malicious attempts.

Please note: Binance will never contact users via WhatsApp, offer investment advice, or ask you to invest in any project or token. However, we do have an official WhatsApp channel designed to keep you updated on the latest news and security threats.

What to Do If You’ve Been Added to a Suspicious WhatsApp Group

1. Do Not Engage. Refrain from communicating with anyone in the group, including the administrators.

2. Take a Screenshot. The image should include the following details:

   • The name of the WhatsApp group.

   • The phone numbers of the group administrators only (Important: Do not share the personal data of non-admin members).

3. Report the group to Binance Security. Upload your screenshot and report the suspicious group via the dedicated form. Your submission will be escalated to our security team for prompt action. Example screenshot below.

What’s the Danger?

One word: phishing.

Phishing scams involve fraudsters trying to trick victims into sending funds or providing confidential information via emails, messages, or websites that closely resemble legitimate platforms or services. Individuals pretending to be Binance representatives will use platforms like WhatsApp to:

1. Impersonate: Scammers create fake profiles that resemble those of Binance representatives/staff.

2. Create Urgency: They might claim there is an urgent issue with your Binance account.

3. Request Sensitive Information: They’ll ask for login credentials and two-factor authentication codes, or even request you to transfer funds to them.

4. Build Trust: Criminals may use information that seems credible, often pulled from public sources.

[REPORT GROUP TO BINANCE SECURITY]

How Binance Contacts Users

Binance only contacts users via the following channels: 

• Binance Customer Support, available 24/7 through our customer service portal.

• Our official X account. 

• Telegram. Make sure to always verify contacts using the Binance Verify tool, which allows you to check a website, email address, Telegram ID, or other communication channels to validate their legitimacy.

• Email. Again, always use the Binance Verify tool to ensure the sender's address is official.

Tips to Protect Yourself from WhatsApp Scams

Always protect yourself by following these tips:

1. Never Share Sensitive Information: Do not share your account details or personal information with unofficial or non-verified sources.

2. Update Your WhatsApp Privacy Settings: Adjust your settings so only specific contacts can add you to groups. Go to WhatsApp Settings > Privacy > Groups, then choose 'My Contacts Except...' or 'My Contacts' to limit who can add you to groups.

3. Use Binance Verify: If in doubt, always verify the legitimacy of anyone claiming to represent Binance. You can verify email addresses, phone numbers, WeChat IDs, Twitter accounts, or Telegram IDs via the Binance Verify tool.

4. Contact Binance Support 24/7: If you have any concerns or doubts, reach out to our official Binance Support team for assistance.

Staying Vigilant and Informed Is Your Weapon Against Scams

By understanding how phishing scams typically work, you’re better equipped to recognize the signs and protect yourself. Remember, Binance will never contact you via WhatsApp with investment advice or requests for funds. Stay vigilant, and always rely on official communication channels.

Stay safe and always verify before engaging.

Further Reading

• Protect Your Crypto: Understanding the Ongoing Global Malware Attacks and What We Are Doing to Stop Them

• How to Avoid and Report Fake Service Scams

• Understanding the Risks of Off-Exchange P2P Trading