MILLIONS of smartphone users are being warned a popular messaging app is under attack from scammers.
Tech experts have shared the scam and urged their followers to update their phones.
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The latest warning affects customers using Android, Samsung and iPhones.
Countless reports have shown that today, cyberattacks are more rampant than ever.
In fact, global experts have concluded that there are around 2,200 cyber attacks every day,
On top of that, billions of phishing emails are sent around the world daily.
Phishing is a scam where attackers deceive people into revealing sensitive information.
Typically, the goal of the scammer is to steal a user’s banking information, identity, or passwords.
Elaborate scam
Tech experts at Action Fraud have now issued a warning to those using the messaging app WhatsApp, which continues to grow in popularity.
This rise in use and reach, however, makes the app particularly susceptible to elaborate and convincing scams, say the experts.
The latest warning relates to a scam known as “account takeover”.
This is when a hacker accesses the log-in details and passwords of an account and is then able to “lock” the account and effectively take control of the account.
Having taken over the account, the hacker is then able to send messages to others asking for money – or convincing users to reveal bank details.
One of the most common text-based scams out there right now is called the “Hi Mum” con.
It’s also known as the “friend in need” scam, and attempts to trick unsuspecting parents into handing over cash quickly.
Total con
A crook will pose as your child and convince you to send cash in an emergency – but it’s a total con.
Thankfully, there’s a very easy way to scupper it and keep your cash safe.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Action Fraud highlighted the growing problem of scams and issued advice on how to protect users against “account takeover”.
It stated: “Protect your WhatsApp account against hackers.
“We continue to see a rise in the number of reports relating to WhatsApp account takeovers.
“Here’s what you need to do to protect your account:
- 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. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity.”
One follower, @scamadviser, replied: “Great tips … we’ve also seen scammers hijack WhatsApp accounts and pose as friends or siblings, urgently asking for money.”
The initial attacks on a phone are carried out in a number of ways, but most often via emails and SMS messages.
How to spot a scam
Action Fraud advises that the public follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to keep themselves safe from fraud.
- Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
- Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
- Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
How to report
- You can report suspicious text messages you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad.
- You can report suspicious emails you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- If you have provided personal or financial details as a result of a suspicious message, or lost money because of a scam, you should report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040
