WhatsApp scams on the rise: 5 ways to safeguard your money and personal information | Technology News

The spate of online scams seems to have dramatically increased in the last few months. Scammers are targeting unsuspecting users with newer ways, making it all the more important to stay informed and vigilant. From image download scams to OTP scams to malicious URLs, scammers are deploying methods to syphon off cash and even steal identities in certain cases. Earlier this year, we witnessed a meteoric rise in the number of scams such as digital arrests.
With over 520 million in India using WhatsApp for messages and calls, the platform has become one of the most common means for scammers to target users. Since cyber criminals are constantly devising newer ways to target users, it is imperative that we remain aware to prevent any untoward events.
In recent times, a new scam has sent shockwaves across the nation. A man from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh lost around Rs 2 lakh after he downloaded an image that was sent to him via WhatsApp from an unknown number. This scam reportedly operates via a method known as steganography, where scammers embed malicious code within image files.
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Once the user opens the image, the malware is remotely installed on the device. This malware is used to compromise the device and access a user’s sensitive information, such as banking credentials and passwords. It can also be used to gain remote access to a smartphone. In such cases, if a user ignores the message, the scammers may repeatedly call and persuade them to open the image.
While this is one type of scam that is increasingly targeting many users across India, there are many such scams that may cost you money and privacy. Here are some handy tips to stay safe.
Think for yourself
In case you get a suspicious message, see if they are using an unknown number, if they are being too pushy, if their tone is threatening or asking you to trust them, or if they are asking you to transfer money or share a password PIN or OTP or other personal information, etc. All of these are big red flags and should be signals for you to avoid any engagement with such messages or persons.
Disengage
In case someone using an unknown number calls you repeatedly, do not engage. If they are sending you texts, then do not respond. In any case, if you are unable to verify the contact’s identity, do not share any personal or financial information.Story continues below this ad
Block and report
The best way to deal with scammers or suspicious texters and callers is to block and report. Doing so, you will no longer receive messages, calls, and status updates from someone. Reporting them is ideal if they send problematic content or spam. In case someone adds you to a group, you should exit immediately and block the group admin.
Keep updating your privacy and security settings
One surefire way of countering scammers is adjusting your privacy settings. WhatsApp allows you to control who can see your personal information and contact you. One can also enable two-step verification to secure their account from WhatsApp hijacking.
Verify it yourself
In case you get a message from a friend’s number asking for financial help, be wary. Check for inconsency with language and tone; do not call back using WhatsApp. The safest way to verify these messages is to directly call them on their number without using WhatsApp or any other app.
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