Have you downloaded WeChat or heard about it through an online acquaintance, friend, or perhaps your children are using it? While many people enjoy being part of new online communities or using popular apps, being scammed or catfished is a real risk with any app or online platform.

While WeChat is still gaining popularity in the U.S., it has become a regular part of everyday technology in China and has over a billion worldwide users. Learn everything you need to know before it takes the world by storm!

First of All, What is WeChat?

WeChat is a top-rated chat app that originated in China. Since apps such as Facebook Messenger were not allowed in China, WeChat and WeChat Pay emerged. In fact, throughout the country of China, WeChat is used as a primary form of digital payment, instead of paper money. In the United States, WeChat Pay is not included, so it hasn’t caught on as quickly.

Just what can you do on WeChat?

First, you can message, similar to Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. Although WeChat Pay is not available domestically, yet, it pairs instant money transfers to the app. Users in China can also link their bank account to the app and pay with a bar code. Mini-programs have been added to the app, so you don’t have to access outside programs.

This is why WeChat is part of new apps called “super apps.” These mini-programs are added apps while including the ability for businesses to transmit promotional items and users to request ride service.

Is WeChat Safe?

The main risk to WeChat could be hacks connected to the WeChat Pay. However, since that is not yet available in the U.S., you should pay attention to the messages you receive, who they are from, and what they ask.

How to Stay Safe on WeChat

Beware of Catfish

Online connections or people from other apps or dating apps who only want to talk to you on WeChat may be of concern. If you are only connecting with someone on WeChat, they are probably not looking to meet in real life and maybe international scammer or catfish. For children, predators often gravitate towards chat apps and may try and pretend to be children and gain their trust.

Settings

When you first sign up for WeChat, your settings will be pre-loaded. This means that others can find you. Adjust your privacy settings and block any contacts you don’t know or aren’t comfortable with.

Shake it Off?

WeChat has a feature called “Shake.” If you shake your phone, you can discover who else is doing so and connect with them. This might open you up to players, scammers, or even bots and spam. Also though it might be tempting, skip WeChat’s “Shake” and beware if you use it.

Privacy

Keep your private information private! Don’t share financial or other vital information with anyone on the app. Anyone who asks for private data is a scammer or thief. Also, remember that your safety and the safety of your family matter most.

Don’t get pushed into sharing your full name, address, or photographs with anyone you’re not comfortable with. If you haven’t met someone in person and verified identity, don’t trust them!

Stranger Danger

Even as an adult, it is good to avoid users you don’t know. If WeChat suggests that you connect with other nearby users, resist the temptation. Try and keep the chat app for your personal friend’s list and other contacts.

While you can be safe on WeChat, it requires using safety tools like Social Catfish. While many eagerly anticipate WeChat Pay, now is the time to get used to regularly screening your online connections and fellow app acquaintances.

At Social Catfish, you can search profile photos or shared images by cropping them and entering them at Social Catfish. You can also search by name, username, email address, and phone number. Social Catfish provides you with quick, easy, thorough search tools to scan multiple search engines and social platforms.

Keep yourself and your family safe from online scammers:

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