How to spot Viber scammer in seconds: Tips to avoid losing money
Experts reveal typical cybercriminal signature (photo: Rakuten Viber)
Scammers on Viber are becoming increasingly active, prompting users to review key privacy settings that can help identify a fraudster even before a conversation begins, according to an official press release from Rakuten Viber.
How to spot a scammer before a call or message
The best defense against scammers, cybersecurity experts say, is to act proactively. To identify a malicious actor before they reach out, users should follow several basic rules.
Enable automatic spam checks
Viber scans messages from unknown contacts containing email addresses or links to detect harmful content. The feature also flags messages from potential spammers.
To enable it: More Settings Privacy Auto spam check.
Turn on message requests
This ensures that all messages from unknown contacts are placed in a separate folder, which can be cleared without opening them.
To activate: More Settings Privacy Message requests.
Enable caller identification
This feature automatically labels calls from unknown numbers as potentially safe or unsafe due to spam or fraud.
To turn it on: More Settings Calls and messages Caller ID.
Look for the blue checkmark
A blue checkmark next to a contact name indicates that the account has been verified by Viber. This helps users ensure they are interacting with a real brand or store, not an impersonator.
What gives scammers away in messages
Although each scam scheme has its specifics, many share common patterns. Recognizing these signs makes it easier to detect fraud.
Common red flags include:
- Grammar mistakes and awkward phrasing: Poor grammar, punctuation errors, or overly promotional language may indicate a scammer.
- Artificial urgency and emotional pressure: Scammers often manipulate emotions — from “limited-time offers” to panic over potential financial loss — to push users into quick decisions.
- Suspicious links and attachments: These are often phishing attempts designed to steal data once clicked or downloaded.
Viber specialists advise treating any materials from unknown contacts with caution and always checking for “https” at the beginning of a URL as a basic indicator of a secure connection.
What to do after receiving a scam message
The best way to prevent further attempts is to block the scammer.
To do this: open the chat tap the info icon (Android) or chat name (iOS) Chat info Block this contact.
In addition to blocking, users are encouraged to report suspicious activity directly to Viber. This helps moderators stop scammers faster and improve spam filtering systems.
Combining vigilance, quick action, and proper security settings remains the most effective way to protect against cyber threats in messaging apps.
Earlier, Reuters reported that spyware known as Darksword has been used to compromise dozens of Ukrainian websites, targeting iPhone users.
