Online scam experts have issued a warning to WhatsApp users to be careful, as multiple reports have emerged of a new scam duping people using the group messaging feature. With over two billion monthly active users, WhatsApp has now become a happy hunting ground for cybercriminals looking for personal information.
Action Fraud, the British national cyber crime centre, has warned that there have been more than 630 cases this year where fraudsters infiltrate group chats pretending to be legitimate members and trick users into giving out sensitive information.
Experts are warning WhatsApp users to be cautious of unwanted or suspicious messages being sent in group chats. If a user is receiving such a message, it could mean that someone is committing fraud. Therefore, it is important to be alert at all times and take the matter to the concerned authority to avoid data leaks.
How scammers dupe users
according to a Release by Action FraudThe scam often begins when a group member receives a WhatsApp audio call from a fraudster, who pretends or claims to be another group member. The fraudster will then tell the victim that they are sending them a one-time passcode, which will allow them to join an upcoming video call for group members. In reality, the criminal is asking for the registration code to register the victim’s WhatsApp account on a new device so they can take over their account.
Once the fraudsters gain access to the victim’s WhatsApp account, they will enable two-step verification, making it impossible for the victim to regain access to their account. Messages will then be sent to other members of the group, or friends and family members in contact with the victim, asking them to transfer money immediately as they are in dire need of help.
Detective Superintendent Gary Miles, head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police, said: “We have received more than 630 complaints so far this year, so we are urging users, particularly those involved in large group chats on WhatsApp, to remain vigilant and keep an eye on who is joining the chat.”
Responding to reports of the scam, 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 secure.”
“We recommend all users set up two-step verification for added security and advise people to never share their six-digit PIN code with others, even friends or family.”
“If you receive a suspicious message (even if you think you know who it’s from), making a call or asking for a voice note is the quickest and simplest way to check that the person is who they say they are.”
As of July 2023, WhatsApp had about 2.78 billion active users worldwide. The messaging app reached 2 billion users in 2020 and is expected to reach 3.14 billion by 2025.
