The popularly used WhatsApp feature has recently been the target of numerous nefarious activities which have severely impacted people who rely on the platform for communication.
A release last Friday from the Regional Security System (RSS) stated that the alarming trend, which has emerged across the region, has not gone unnoticed by officials of the organisation, who it stated were working diligently to ensure that citizens of its member states did not fall victim to the emerging scam.
In a statement issued by the RSS’ Asset Recovery Unit, all WhatsApp users were urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution when utilising the communication platform.
It pointed out that over the past few weeks, unsuspecting victims had received WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers, or numbers purporting to be a WhatsApp support representative, requestinga code received via SMS be sent to the contacting number. Users are made to believe that the code is required to verify their WhatsApp account. Once this is done, the hackers gain access and control of the victim’s account.
The statement explained that the hackers use the target’s number to send messages to individuals in their contact list, requesting money be sent to them via a money remitter. They claim to be stranded overseas and in need of funds to pay for a hotel or to buy an airline ticket.
“Furthermore, the offenders have also been sending links or codes to these contacts, as a means of soliciting more victims,” it added.
While several people have been inconvenienced, officials at the RSS unit gave the assurance that there were steps which could be taken to significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to these criminals.
It was recommended that users should:
• Follow the recommended steps to verify requests;
• Protect your personal information;
• Be cautious with verification codes;
• Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement agencies;
• Enable two-factor authentication on WhatsApp.
Members of the public were encouraged to stay abreast of this trend and cooperate with authorities in an effort to combat the issue and prevent these “malicious activities” from causing further harm. (CM/PR)
