WhatsApp: In today’s time, WhatsApp is not just a chatting app, but has become a part of many facilities like calling, payment and account verification. But taking advantage of this facility, cyber criminals are defrauding people. A small mistake can empty your bank account in a jiffy and you won’t even notice.
How does this fraud related to WhatsApp start?
This type of fraud often starts with a simple call or message. The fraudster claims to be a delivery agent, a bank employee or a representative of a service provider. It says that there is a problem related to your WhatsApp account or some delivery and a small step has to be done to fix it. This is where people trust and follow the instructions given by the fraudster.
Call Forwarding and OTP
The most dangerous thing in this scam is call forwarding. The fraudsters ask you to dial a special code. As soon as you dial that code, all calls on your phone are forwarded to the second number.
Now OTP calls coming from the bank, WhatsApp verification calls or any kind of security calls directly reach the fraudster. After this, criminals easily access your bank account, UPI or WhatsApp account and withdraw money.
Why is it not known immediately?
The scariest thing about this fraud is that the victim does not immediately realize what has happened to him. Calls stop coming on the phone but people ignore it considering it to be a network problem. By the time the message of deducting money comes from the bank, it is too late.
Danger of WhatsApp account being hacked
Not only bank accounts, WhatsApp accounts can also be hacked in this way. Fraudsters receive the verification call or code and activate your account on their phone. After this, other people are also cheated by sending messages to your contacts.
how to keep yourself safe
To avoid this type of fraud, the most important thing is vigilance. Do not dial any code if asked by any unknown person. WhatsApp or banks never ask for such information over the phone. If you suspect that call forwarding has been activated, turn it off immediately and contact your bank. Also keep two-step verification on in WhatsApp.
Also read:
Why is there a small hole at the bottom of the phone? 90% people mistake it for SIM tray
