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WhatsApp-Chat: Ein Unbekannter schreibt der 14-jährigen Mia nach dem Gruppenanruf

A new predator tactic on WhatsApp: the “common enemy”

Leonardo Benini
Warning video: a new predator tactic on WhatsApp

Warning video: a new predator tactic on WhatsApp

The child safety app Helmit flagged a new tactic. The child involved was 14-year-old Mia (name changed). The case shows once again how methodically offenders operate.

Step 1: The attack

A stranger pulls Mia into a WhatsApp group call and harasses her. Mia hangs up straight away.

WhatsApp group call with Mia and two unknown numbers

WhatsApp group call with Mia and two unknown numbers

Step 2: The supposed ally

Shortly afterwards, a different number messages her. The sender acts as if the man from the call is harassing him too.

WhatsApp chat: the stranger asks whether the guy from the call is bothering Mia too

WhatsApp chat: the stranger asks whether the guy from the call is bothering Mia too

Step 3: A ready-made excuse

Mia asks where he got her number. He has an answer ready: he was pulled into one of those calls too.

WhatsApp chat: Mia asks where the stranger got her number

WhatsApp chat: Mia asks where the stranger got her number

Step 4: The personal questions

As soon as Mia believes him, he asks how old she is and where she is from.

WhatsApp chat: the stranger asks Mia how old she is and where she is from

WhatsApp chat: the stranger asks Mia how old she is and where she is from

It was the same man. The common enemy was meant to build trust, and that trust is exactly what offenders later use to get nude images, to blackmail, or to arrange a meeting.

Mia's parents were warned by Helmit in time.

Please share this post with other parents so they can warn their children too.

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