WhatsApp users across the UK have been urged to remain vigilant and keep an eye out for a new scam which has already claimed hundreds of victims.
Fraudsters have been using a popular authentication trick to fool people into sending over their personal details that could eventually lead to bank accounts being drained.
It can seem totally innocent at first, which is why users are being reminded to be extra cautious – especially when it comes to receiving calls on WhatsApp.
The Mirror reports that the scam involves impersonating someone in order to trick loved ones into sending over money. According to Action Fraud, WhatsApp group members are at risk of being targeted by criminals, and hundreds have reported the scam this year.
It starts with WhatsApp users getting a phone call that appears to be from one of the people in the group chat. The scammer then explains they are sending over a one-time passcode, allowing them to join an upcoming video group chat.
Once the passcode has been sent over, the victim is then asked to share it with the scammer.
However, there is no upcoming video call and the passcode is actually used to register the victim’s WhatsApp to a new device, fully taking over the account. Once this has been done, the scammer begins to message contacts asking for money – similar to the infamous ‘Hi mum’ attack which saw people being scammed out of millions of pounds.
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“WhatsApp remains an integral mode of communication for many people across the UK, however fraudsters still find ways to infiltrate these platforms. Sadly, anyone can become a target for fraud,” Detective Superintendent Gary Miles, Head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police.
“With more than 630 reports already this year, we are urging users, and in particular those in big group chats on WhatsApp, to be on their guard and monitor who joins the chats.
“To keep yourself safe from fraud, never share your account details or any passcode or verification codes with anyone. If you think you are being targeted, report the message and block the sender within WhatsApp. To make your account more secure, we advise setting up two-step verification to provide an extra layer of protection.”
How to stay 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.
- If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person outside of WhatsApp to confirm their identity.
- Report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.
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In response to these latest attacks, a WhatsApp spokesperson said: ” “All personal messages sent on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption, but we can all play a role in keeping our accounts safe.
“We recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security and advise people never to share their six-digit PIN code with others, not even with friends or family.
“If you receive a suspicious message (even if you think you know who it’s from), calling or requesting a voice-note is the fastest and simplest way to check that someone is who they say they are.”
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