Here we go again. It always happens on a regular basis and can be really dangerous if you don’t keep your eyes open. We are talking about the latest hoax on WhatsApp regarding an elusive voice message left on the answering machine.

More than a hoax, it is a real scam that tries to trick naive users to install on their computer a powerful virus that infests the computer on which it is unknowingly installed.

This umpteenth WhatsApp scam – which adds to the various episodes of dangerous links that have been shot on chats in recent months – has chosen a somewhat unusual path compared to previous deception attempts related to the instant messaging application.

WhatsApp and the email virus

The message with the virus is in fact sent to users via email . In the message you are invited to read a voice message that someone left for us on the answering machine . The email contains the link to access the message. But it is a scam! Clicking on the link simply downloads a virus onto your computer that steals personal information from users.

But the most serious consequences can come for those who open the mobile phone scam link . The virus “hides” in the phone software and the hacker who controls it can steal chats, photos, videos, credit card numbers and any other personal information we have stored on our phone.

The use that the bad guys want to make of this information is clear, at least according to what the main sites in the sector claim: blackmail users to get money in exchange for not publishing personal information on the web.

How the virus works: the details

Let’s see specifically what this dangerous WhatsApp virus looks like. Knowing it is the best way to defend yourself.

The user targeted by the cyber attack receives an email that appears to have been sent by WhatsApp. Inside you are notified that someone has left a voice message on the answering machine and that you just need to click on the link in the email (a button with the word ” Autoplay “) to listen to it.

In reality, passing the mouse (without clicking) on ​​Autoplay, we see that the link refers to the site ” tinnitussto …”, where the “base” of the scam is probably located. Nothing to do with WhatsApp.

How to defend yourself?

To defend yourself against this type of virus that arrives via email, just remember a simple rule: WhatsApp has no answering machine and does not send email messages to its users. Any message that appears to come from WhatsApp, therefore, is a scam.