Ikea voucher via WhatsApp: is this a virus?

Ikea vouchers are increasingly being flooded via WhatsApp. In this practical tip we explain whether there is a virus or malware behind it or whether you can trust the offer.

Brazen phishing offer: Ikea vouchers via WhatsApp

In the past, dubious offers were still sent by email, but WhatsApp has now become more lucrative for fraudsters:

1. The trust bonus is particularly great in this case: All messages come from contacts you know, who themselves fell for the trick.
2. Behind it is actually only the principle of a chain letter: the victim is lured with a link to a voucher from a well-known store - in this case Ikea. You will then be forced to share the offer with your contacts.
3. If you click on the link, you will be asked to complete a one-minute survey with four questions. You are supposed to win a € 500 voucher for the furniture giant.
4. The survey is not enough: you still have to share the link with at least 10 WhatsApp contacts.
5. Allegedly, only a few vouchers are available for a very short time. This should put the victim under time pressure. In this way, of course, it is more likely that you give your data such as your mobile number or address and name without thinking.
6. In the next steps, you will be bombarded with advertising windows that the fraudster is likely to cash in on.
7. Conclusion: These lure offers are highly dubious and you should under no circumstances press the link. Otherwise, there is a risk of expensive subscription traps, spam and malware.

We'll also explain how you can protect yourself from other fraudulent scams through WhatsApp.