-snip - I know WhatsApp to download image automatically as long as one has data connection, how then can one avoid it being downloaded? it's very scary at this point because I use WhatsApp and the images are just downloaded without ones permission.
This is indeed a good question : anyone has a clue?
[Solution]
Since OP only brought the recent scam and monitoring malware awareness without a possible solution to it, hence I have took my time look into WhatsApp and find some possible solution.
[1] Since most of this scammers get contacts from groups and other places where one exposed their contact Without ones awareness it's best to head over to your WhatsApp settings > Privacy > Advanced > Then enable Block unknown account messages.
Regardless to personalizing our Whatsapp incoming messages with others incline (blocking unknown users messages), be guided that the WhatsApp group you may belong is also not secured because there in the WhatsApp group, you will experience unwanted recommendations such as invitation prioritizing marketing where links and images are being flooded if the WhatsApp group members are not coordinated on the basic obligations of the group.
And therein, not every informations could be trusted so, it is also wise to be careful on that note while deactivating your media auto downloads would always help you on a concept as detailed of this thread.
Also, don't click or downloads images that the sender did not give a description of the image in the first place. That is when you have a limited trust level with the user without undermining your familiarities.
So as for now, "Don't step on informations that has no earlier explanation" while your watchword remains "concious" with your device and your online engagements.