Got a WhatsApp message promising free Visa, job in UK? Beware, this is a scam

A new WhatsApp scam has surfaced which tricks people by promising free visa and job benefits in the UK. In reality, it is a phishing scam that is designed to steal data and money from the victims. Find out how to protect yourself from it.

This WhatsApp scam offers free visa and job opportunities in the UK and steals the victims’ data and money. (Pixabay)

A new WhatsApp scam has surfaced targeting aspirants who want to work in the United Kingdom. This phishing scam lures in people by promising free visa, benefits and work permit in the UK for everyone who wants to go abroad to work. According to reports, scammers send a WhatsApp message pretending to be a representative of the UK government. The message contains an attractively worded proposition with a URL at the end, and asks the recipient to click on it. But once the victim clicks on it, scammers are able to steal personal data and use it to steal their money too. Read on to know the details of this scam.

New WhatsApp phishing scam offers free visa, job benefits

According to a report by Malwarebytes, multiple users have been reporting receiving a WhatsApp message which appears to be from the UK government. The message talks about the UK needing more workers and how the program will help the aspirant get free visa, travel accommodation and work permit to come work in the UK. Check the WhatsApp scam message below.

“UK GOVERNMENT JOB RECRUITMENT 2022: This is open to all Individuals who wants to work in UK, Here is a great chance for you all to work conveniently in the UK. UK needs over 132,000 workers in 2022. Over 186,000 Jobs are Open for applying. THE PROGRAM COVERS: Travel expense. Housing. Accommodation. Medical facilities. Applicant must be 16 years or above. Can speak basic English. BENEFIT OF THE PROGRAM: Instant work permit. Visa application assistance. All nationalities can apply. Open to all individuals and students who want to work and study. Apply here [URL removed]”.

While we were not able to test the website ourselves, according to Malwarebytes, the website reiterates the content of the message and claims that interested people can apply right now and upon selection, they will be given all the free benefits. Once a person fills out the form, the scammers steal the data and later can use it to steal money from their online bank accounts and hack into social media accounts and emails. If you want to protect yourself from such scams, remember the following tips at all times.

How to protect yourself from visa and job scams

Step 1:

Remember that in the UK, all work related application processes take place on their government websites which always end with “gov.uk”. The same is applicable for all other countries.

Step 2:

The government of any country does not bear the charges for travel and accommodation unless you are working directly with the government.

Step 3:

If you find a suspicious offer which promises ridiculously amazing benefits, always double check it by running a normal Google search on it.

Step 4:

Never reveal information relating to your finances including bank account number, debit/credit card information or anything similar.