Dangers of joining WhatsApp groups through Internet links

Since relatively recently, we have been able to access WhatsApp groups through an external link, provided by certain websites that collect them. WhatsApp groups that are quite similar to the old IRC channels and that put anonymous people with common interests and goals in contact. Whether it was sex, cooking or indie music, on IRC you would find the right channel. And all with the comfort of anonymity, without having to provide more information than a nickname (called 'nickname'). Yes, the possibility of contagion from a virus was notable (anyone could send you an executable file with supposedly good intentions) but we were not exposing ourselves.Unless, of course, we wanted to.

Do you want everyone to know your phone number?

The problem with links to WhatsApp groups is that, as we all know, we leave our phone number exposed. And to join that appetizing group called 'Murcia Singles' we must give our number. One of the plots of privacy that seems to still remain (it is a fact that you "must know" to get in touch with us, not as easy to access as email) exposed by, sometimes ignorance, other times, simply , due to neglect.

What can happen if you join a group by link?

As we mentioned before, WhatsApp requires that all members of a group, their contacts, visibly display their phone number. In Telegram this information is hidden, which would be desirable. These are the dangers you expose yourself to:

• Harassment by advertising companies. By giving out your phone number, you give the key to your house to unknown companies so that they can contact you directly. Contests that are such, impossible offers that deceive the least cautious…
• Jokes or spam from strangers. A phone number is a treat for trolls. One, moreover, very difficult to pass up. And while you can block phone numbers, it's hardly a tasteful dish.
• Additional rate messages. Your phone number is the only thing a company needs to sign you up for paid messaging services . Messages you receive, but they charge you. If you think you have been the target of a similar scam, call your telephone operator and block the ability to receive and send this type of message.
• Identity theft. With access to your phone number, criminals can try to discover other information about you. Our data is on the web, being able to know where we live and even extract account numbers. Who is free from receiving a phone call pretending to be their own bank?

That group of 'Manga addicts' that seems so attractive may, in reality, be a group with evil and hidden intentions. As soon as you click on the link you are offering your telephone number The same one that the download pages request and that, in reality, are nothing more than advertising companies. A system, this one of external links, that does not work as in Telegram. There it is a real chat channel. They will simply see our nickname and will not be able to contact us in any other way. And with a lock the problem is solved.

That is why, from tuexpert, we invite you to take with caution the external links to WhatsApp groupsAnd if you are interested in participating in a community of anonymous people with common interests, use Telegram. Your phone will be safe from prying eyes.