Mexico City's Cyber Police has warned WhatsApp users about a new scam that starts with an innocent-looking photo. Criminals send images set to 'view once' from unknown numbers. Once the recipient opens the file, they are accused of viewing private content and pressured into paying money, according to the authorities as reported by the Mexican outlet Sopitas.com.
How it starts. According to the Cyber Police, the scheme begins with a single-view image sent from a number the victim does not recognise. The trap is triggered when the file is opened. View once images disappear after being seen, which makes it harder for the recipient to know exactly what they were sent.
Then come the threats. After the image has been viewed, the criminals accuse the victim of looking at private material. From there, Sopitas.com reports, they threaten to spread personal information, file criminal complaints or take other legal action, and they demand money to make the supposed problem go away.
Why it matters
A familiar playbook. The scam relies on fear and urgency rather than technical hacking. It turns a normal app feature into a pretext for intimidation, and it shows that users now need to be wary not only of unknown text messages but also of images. The pressure tactic, threatening legal consequences unless the victim pays, is common to many extortion schemes.
What the police advise. As with other scams, the Mexico City authorities recommend staying calm and keeping evidence so that a formal complaint can be filed. They also stress that victims should not make any payment under any circumstances.
- Do not open view once images from numbers you do not recognise.
- Block the contact and report it both inside the app and to the police.
- Never pay, whatever the threat.
- Do not share personal details such as your name, address or card numbers.
- Keep screenshots and messages as evidence for a complaint.
The bottom line. An unexpected disappearing photo from a stranger is a red flag. If threats follow, the advice from the Cyber Police is clear: do not engage, do not pay, and report it.
Source: Sopitas.com
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