WhatsApp Will Try To Protect Users From Spam And Fraud

WhatsApp is the go-to platform for scammers that want to steal your money or your identity. Last year, there were 66 billion spam messages, and the company is putting its foot down to protect users from unwanted contacts.

The new tool is called a Global Security Center, and you’ll be able to learn more about how phishing attacks work and help protect against fraud and scams.

Users will have more control over their accounts on WhatsApp. Here are a few things implemented in the Global Security Center.

Also Check: DevOps Tips & Tricks

Two-step Verification

Enabling two-step verification adds a layer of security to an account. Even if someone were to breach your password, they wouldn’t be able to get a hold of the code inside your authenticator app or SMS unless they steal your phone. Account takeovers are a common issue among WhatsApp users, especially since more than 28 billion dollars could be lost via text messages in 2023.

Official WhatsApp

This includes info on how to make sure you’re always using the official version of WhatsApp. Scammers and spammers are trying to find new ways to fill your device with malware, and masking viruses as legitimate applications works incredibly well. Anything that’s not on the official Play or App Store can pose a serious risk to your security and privacy.

Group Controls

If you’ve been a WhatsApp user for a long time, chances are that you’ve been added to random groups. Changing your settings and being selective about who can add you is a must to avoid spam messages. Additionally, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, also announced that you’d be able to edit WhatsApp messages, and the feature will be available worldwide.

Scams

Last but not least, there’s learning about scams. Knowing how to spot the most common scams is a must in this day and age, and you should block and report everything that seems suspicious. One of the best ways to avoid getting scam and spam messages is by using VPN for Mac. Virtual private networks mask your identity online, and your personal info doesn’t leak. Here are a few scam examples that you should look out for.

Mom and Dad Scam

A Mom and Dad scam is an evergreen tactic that works incredibly well. Somebody will pretend to be a child, and send a message from an unknown number, claiming to be the child’s friend, to their parents. This usually includes a convincing story about breaking the phone and asking urgently for money. Once the money is sent, they disappear.

Because this works on emotion, if you’re a parent, call the number to ensure it’s your child on the other side. With the rise of AI, voice could be replicated, so having a secret phrase with your kid will help.

Crypto Romance Scam

Loads of people are looking for love on Tinder, and they end up falling for a crypto scam on WhatsApp. As you get to know the person on the other side of the screen, they start impressing you with having outstanding success from investing in crypto. Eventually, they convince you to start investing, and all of the funds go to their private wallet. The bad part about crypto is that transactions are irreversible, and you can’t get your money back. Always make sure that the person on the other side is real. Try doing a reverse image search to see if they’re an impostor.

WhatsApp Gold Scam

In this situation, an account that looks like it’s from Customer Support will reach out to you, claiming you’ve been accepted to a WhatsApp Gold upgrade with more features than the original. The moment you download it, they install malware on your phone and invite all of your contacts to sign up too. If you receive such a message, delete it immediately.

There are plenty of other scenarios like QR, lottery, or gift card scams. The most important thing is to secure your account and always question urgent requests for money. Have a password or a secret code with your family to confirm it’s them, and call to confirm whether the info is real.