Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 06:14 pm
LONDON — Online security experts are urging WhatsApp users to be vigilant as reports increase of a new scam which targets people through its group messaging feature. WhatsApp is used by over two billion active users every month, making it a key target for cybercriminals looking to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.
The UK’s National Cybercrime Centre, Action Fraud, unveiled more than 630 incidents this year, wherein fraudsters had infiltrated group chats by masquerading as other members of the group. The scams often dupe users into revealing information that can compromise account security and even lead to financial loss.
Scam Tactics: How Criminals Exploit Group Chats
Experts have called for WhatsApp users to exercise caution against unsolicited or suspicious messages within group chats. This means that any user receiving such a message is right in the middle of an ongoing scam. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the necessary authorities in order to avoid data breaches.
According to Action Fraud, it generally involves one of the WhatsApp group members getting a WhatsApp audio call, apparently from one of the members of the group. The fraudster who has called then suggests that he is trying to send a member a one-time passcode for them to join an intended upcoming group video call. The passcode that then has the victim’s registration code on their WhatsApp account is actually the registration code to the victim’s WhatsApp account. The process sees the criminal registering the account on a different device, which essentially means it is a hijacking of the account.
Once in, the fraudster switches on two-step verification, after which it becomes practically irretrievable by the real owner. Following that, the scammer contacts other members in the group or the victim’s contacts, asking for money under the guise of urgency.
Authorities and WhatsApp Respond
Detective Superintendent Gary Miles, Head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police, noted, “With over 630 reports already this year, we are advising users, in particular those involved in large WhatsApp group chats, to always keep an eye on who has joined the chats and be wary.
Following the scam reports, a spokesperson for WhatsApp said: “All personal messages sent on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption, but we can all play a part in keeping our accounts safe. We recommend 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.
As of the end of July 2023, WhatsApp reportedly had 2.78 billion active users worldwide, with estimates this may swell to 3.14 billion users by 2025.