The Criminal Police Office in Lower Saxony, Germany, has issued a warning against adding unknown phone numbers to WhatsApp, according to the German Press Agency.
The office explained that some users may receive pre-recorded computer-generated voice messages saying, for example: “Hello, I would like to talk to you about a new job opportunity. Please add me on WhatsApp.”
In such cases, users are advised not to respond or save the number as a contact. Instead, they should immediately block the number through their phone settings to avoid falling victim to fraud.
Fraud and Money Laundering Schemes
German authorities have warned that these calls often originate from international numbers and are designed to lure victims with fake job offers, such as hiring them as financial agents or package forwarding agents—roles that could unknowingly involve them in money laundering activities.
Additionally, fraudsters may attempt to steal sensitive personal information, including identity details, bank account data, or even personal photos, which can then be misused for criminal purposes.
Recommended Safety Measures
To counter these fraudulent schemes, the Lower Saxony Criminal Police Office has provided the following recommendations:
✅ Never share your financial details or postal address for money transfers or package forwarding.
✅ Do not open a bank account upon request from an unknown individual, even for activities like product testing or supposed job offers.
✅ Never conduct video identity verification, even if requested during a job application process, as criminals may exploit this data for fraudulent activities.
Staying vigilant and following these precautions can help protect against sophisticated online scams.
