Written By Madhav Malhotra
Beware of the New WhatsApp Image Scam: Everything You Need to Know, with a Real Case and Safety Tips
The WhatsApp image scam is spreading as cybercriminals use images to hide malware and silently scam people and drain their bank accounts.
Published By: Madhav Malhotra | Published: Apr 11, 2025, 02:50 PM (IST)
Another major WhatsApp scam that's ongoing in India is the job offer scam. Some random number will contact you telling you that she is an HR from some reputed firm and wants to recruit you. Although such a scam may not seem harmful at first, you may end up losing your personal details followed by money. Tip - HRs do not randomly contact you on WhatsApp so do not entertain such contacts and immediately block them.
Internet frauds have been on a rise for a while. Although people have started to get aware, scammers have also gotten creative with time and have found new ways to continue scamming people. A recent scam that has started is the new WhatsApp Image Scam. 
Also Read: How 3.5 Billion WhatsApp Accounts were mapped Using a Simple Trick: Researchers Expose a Loophole in the App
A new scam has recently emerged, targeting users through making them download image files that contain hidden malware. The scam uses a technique called steganography, where malicious code is embedded within image files. The targeted individual may not even receive an OTP notification, as the malware directly targets sensitive information such as banking credentials and passwords. In some cases, it can even grant remote access to the victim’s device. The scam initiates once the victim opens the infected image and immediately the malware attacks their device. Also Read: WhatsApp Might Soon add Group Member Tags to make Group chats more personalised
Also Read: How To Read WhatsApp Messages Without Opening Them
The Jabalpur Case
A recent case from Jabalpur has also come to light, where an individual received a call from an unknown number requesting help in identifying someone from a photo. Although the person initially tried to ignore the messages, repeated calls from the unknown number eventually led him to click and download the image. This resulted in the scammers gaining access to his phone and fraudulently withdrawing around Rs. 2 lakh from his bank account.
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Tips to save yourself from this scam
To safeguard yourself from such scams, follow these precautions:
- Do not download any photo or any files from a random number and turn off the auto-download feature in WhatsApp settings.
- Update your device regularly to keep your security patches up to date.
- Avoid and block calls from unknown numbers that might feel suspicious
- Spread information about this scam and keep your friends and family informed
- Report any incidents to the official Cybercrime portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in
