Security alerts · WhatsApp & Telegram

"You've won free data" links spreading on WhatsApp

A message says a mobile network is giving away free GBs or an anniversary gift if you share it with 10 people. These links collect your details.

Friends and family forward this message without knowing it's a scam: "Vodacom/Yas/Airtel is celebrating 25 years, get 50GB free! Click here."

The link asks you a few questions, then tells you to share the message with 10 people or 5 groups to "receive your gift". The gift never arrives, but the link collects your number, may sign you up for paid services, or sends you to ads that carry malware.

Warning signs

• You are told to share with many people to get the prize
• The link is not on the network's official website
• The message has many spelling mistakes or lots of emoji
• The offer looks too good to be true

How to protect yourself

• Check the offer on the company's official website or pages
• Don't forward unverified prize messages, even if a friend sent them
• Never enter your phone number, PIN or personal details on these links

If you are affected

• If you entered your number, check whether you were subscribed to paid services and unsubscribe
• If you downloaded an app or file, remove it and scan your phone
• Tell the people you forwarded it to that the message is a scam