Look out for these common scams
WhatsApp users are being urged to pay attention to fresh advice on avoiding devastating scams. The immensely popular platform continues to be a prime target for cyber criminals, and not staying vigilant could prove costly.
The UK security team at Action Fraud reports an increasing number of people being targeted via WhatsApp, with account takeovers posing one of the biggest threats.
For those unfamiliar with account takeovers, it describes the act of a hacker obtaining login details and security codes, allowing them to log in and block the legitimate users from accessing their chats. Once an account is under the control of these crooks, they can send messages to contacts in an attempt to defraud them.
Action Fraud advised in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “Protect your WhatsApp account against hackers. We continue to see a rise in the number of reports relating to WhatsApp account takeovers.”
One particularly worrying scam resulting from these attacks is the notorious ‘Hi mum’ trick, reports the Express. This involves sending a message to a family member suggesting there’s a problem and money is needed. It may seem implausible, but it’s already cost UK users hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Action Fraud has now issued three crucial guidelines to follow, including setting up two-step verification and exercising caution when a code arrives on your phone.
Staying safe on WhatsApp
- Set up two-step verification to give an extra layer of protection to your account. Tap Settings > Account >Two-step verification > Enable.
- Never share your account’s activation code (that 6 digit code you receive via SMS).
- Stop, think and call – if a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identify.
Alongside Action Fraud, UK Police have also issued a similar warning about account takeovers. West Midlands Police said: “We’re issuing a warning about a rising WhatsApp scam. Criminals are trying to gain unauthorised access to victims’ WhatsApp accounts, leading to impersonation and further fraudulent activity.”
The statement added: “WhatsApp takeover scams involve fraudsters tricking people into sharing their six-digit verification code. Once they have this code, they can log into the account, locking out the real owner, and use the compromised account to deceive others for personal gain.”
WhatsApp is a popular target for online criminals due the enormous number of people that use it. The platform boasts over three billion users worldwide, which makes the likelihood of an attack succeeding far more probable – but being vigilant and alert can keep your account safe.
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