admin
Tom Muleya Fraud Insight
WhatsApp is one of the new and fast growing technologies that have revolutionalised many business organisations, and human communication landscape.
Businesses are using the WhatsApp technology for helpline, enquiries, marketing products or services and banking, among others.
Researches show that WhatsApp is one messaging application that cyber fraudsters or scammers easily exploit to steal identity and money.
According to data from Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA) Intelligence (the definitive source of mobile industry insights, forecasts and research, used around the world for benchmarking and business planning), there were 13.64 million cellular mobile connections in Zimbabwe at the start of 2022.
This then implies that many mobile and WhatsApp users are at risk from scammers and hence need to protect self.
Some common types of WhatsApp scams making rounds today are the ‘One Time Password (OTP) or call forwarding scams’, friend or loved one in need requests, unauthorised verification codes, WhatsApp Gold, bogus gift cards and surveys, crypto romance scams, mom and dad impersonation schemes, QR code scams, lottery scams, and WhatsApp technology support scams.
The CID Commercial Crimes Division is seized with the investigation of some various WhatsApp scams indicated above.
To stay safe on WhatsApp, consider some of the following steps or security measures;
Set up a two-factor authentication (2FA). By setting up this, ensures an additional layer of protection when you log into an app. A one- time code is sent to your phone, email, or authentication app before you can log into WhatsApp. The Two-factor authentication helps to improve the security of any online account, not just your WhatsApp account.
Be wary on WhatsApp. Remember applications like WhatsApp offer low-cost ways for scammers to reach billions of targets around the world and can be exploited by scammers with easy.
Question any urgent request for money. It does not matter the request is coming from a friend or family member; you should always question urgent requests for money. One of the tactics of WhatsApp scammers is “urgency tactics’ so that you will not have time to investigate the circumstances of the person who is supposedly requesting money.
Do not pick up calls from unknown numbers on WhatsApp. WhatsApp scammers can hijack your account and access messages using a call forwarding trick. In this scam, a one-time password (OTP) verification code is sent via voice call by using a cellphone number carrier’s automated service to forward calls to another number.
Make a call to confirm. Even if the person messaging you says the number has been disconnected, call the number you have for them. If you cannot reach them on the phone, connect with them directly on social media to confirm before you send any money.
Report the contact and scam to WhatsApp. Report any suspicious activity to WhatsApp. They can work to shut down the fraudulent accounts and ensure that other users are not impacted by similar smishing or phishing scams. Also immediately report to the nearest police if you suspect you have been scammed.
Participate in the fight against fraud and cybercrimes. Think Cybersecurity. Watch out for the next issue on WhatsApp scams.
Tom Muleya is a Detective Assistant Inspector working under the CID Commercial Crimes Division. He is also a member of the National Cyber Security Awareness Taskforce, Zimbabwe.
Feedback, WhatsApp line: 0772 764 043, or e-mail: [email protected].
Online Reporter