Every user of the popular messaging platform, WhatsApp has been warned to watch out for malicious scam messages.
According to The Sun of the UK, scammers are now fronting as WhatApp Support to deceive users into giving them their private information.
Messaging platforms are playfields for fraudsters who want to steal users’ information or money.
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Renowned WhatsApp blog, WABetaInfo has issued a warning to users to be on the lookout for suspicious support accounts, posing as WhatsApp Support.
The scammers use profile pictures that appear official and verified, the blog said.
The website tells users how to confirm if the account is genuine or not.
According to WABetaInfo, the original Meta-owned WhatsApp Support will have a green verified tick next to its name. It is not available for scammers.
But, the blog warns, that they may still try to fool users by placing the badge on their profile photo.
If any account like that sends a message, users are asked to ignore it and delete it immediately.
They may most likely use your six-digit verification code which will allow them access to your account.
Or they may even be bold enough to demand your credit card info to stop you from being locked out of WhatsApp.
WhatsApp says you can ignore or report the trickster within WhatsApp. The company warns users not to hand over their code or banking info to anyone.
You can also block and report the scammer within WhatsApp, which will alert the real support team about the issue.
If anyone ever asks for your login code or banking info over WhatsApp, be very cautious and don’t reply.
WhatsApp security tips
Here are security features on WhatsApp that may keep you safe from scammers.
WhatsApp lock
Locking your WhatsApp separately to your Phone is very important.
It means people who are using your phone can’t read your texts.
To set this up you need to head to your WhatsApp settings.
Then click “Account” and then “Privacy”.
From here, you can switch on “Screen Lock” with either Touch ID or Face ID.
You’ll also be able to pick a duration time for when the ID is required again.
WhatsApp self-deleting texts
WhatsApp also has a recently-added feature that will automatically self-destruct new texts after a day.
The new update is aimed at boosting your privacy – by destroying old WhatsApp messages.
You can set Disappearing Messages to automatically turn on for all new chats – without affecting existing conversations.
And two new durations have been added for Disappearing Messages, 24 hours and 90 days.
So now you can choose from four options in total: 24 hours, 7 days, 90 days or Off.
Go to Settings > Account > Privacy and then turn on Default Message Timer.
WhatsApp two-step verification
Finally, you should turn on two-step verification right now.
It’s an extra step for verifying your phone number, to help keep hackers out.
Hackers regularly try to break into WhatsApp accounts.
Delete text immediately
WhatsApp has issued an urgent warning to its 2 billion users to look out for scammers posing as Support Services using the WhatsApp logo and verification badges.
The message says that the tricksters are targeting important info like bank alerts and bank accounts as well as third-party information.