WhatsApp Scam

WhatsApp is an app that allows you to message and call friends worldwide. This app makes it easy to connect but it also makes it an easy target for cybercriminals to send out fake messages.  

In the latest scam, cybercriminals will send you a message and go back and forth gaining your trust. They then ask you to call a phone number that begins with a **67* prefix. When you call this number your phone company will forward your phone number to the cybercriminals phone. Since the cybercriminals have your phone number, they can then request a temporary WhatsApp password that will be sent to their phone. The cybercriminals can access your account, change the password and lock you out of your own account. The cybercriminals main goal is to access your account so they can talk to your friends and convince them to send them money.

Tips:

• Always verify that call forwarding prefixes match the country you are calling.
• Only call phone numbers that belong to trusted contacts, especially when using the WhatsApp app.
• Keep up to date about scam tactics and cyber-attacks so you are more aware when you get messages.

Learn more tips like this and train your employees with our Security Awareness Training Program.

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