Whatsapp users have been warned after authorities have seen a rise in scammers
using the platform to steal cash.
Action Fraud, a national cyber crime centre with the City of London Police, has received
more than 630 reports of people infiltrating group chats to gather personal information that
can be used to con money out of unsuspecting users of the messaging service.
WhatsApp users have now been to by experts to look out for suspicious messages in chat
groups.
The criminal will target a specific member of the group, calling them and telling the user
they will get a one-time passcode to join another group video call.
Using a false profile picture or a name, they will set up a profile to appear legitimate and
gain the trust of the victim.
After setting up the video call, the fraudster will ask for the victim’s passcode to register for
the call.
This code allows them to register the user’s WhatsApp account to a new device, meaning
that they can hack the account.
They will then allow two-step verification which blocks the victim from re-accessing their
account.
The criminals will then message other members of the group or friends and family asking
for an urgent money transfer, posing as the victim.
DSI Gary Miles, head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police,
said: “Those in big group chats should be on their guard and monitor who joins chats.”
Action Fraud’s data has found that the groups most likely to be targeted are Islamic and
Christian religious groups and large work chats.
A Whatsapp spokeswoman told the Metro: “All personal messages sent on WhatsApp are
protected by end-to-end encryption, but we can all play a role in keeping our accounts safe.
‘We recommend that 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.”
If you have been scammed and need help to recover your money fill out our Fraud Reclaim Form or call us for advice on 0333 9998791.