UK WhatsApp users must be high alert as scams are growing problem for this hugely popular chat platform.
Anyone who regularly sends messages via WhatsApp must remain vigilant, especially if they live in the UK. It seems British users of this Meta-owned chat app are being scammed more than any other country, and being caught out can be “devastating”.
That’s according to a new report from the financial team at Revolut, which says Brits are losing out to cybercriminals, with the average victim handing over more than £2,400.
It seems that cash loss is worse on WhatsApp than on other services, such as Facebook, due to the way people use and trust the platform. If a message appears on the screen, WhatsApp users are more likely to think it’s real because it’s been sent to their phone number.
Because of this, fraudsters appear to be increasingly targeting WhatsApp. Revolut reckons scams originating on the application have skyrocketed by 33% in recent months.
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Worrying scams to watch out for include job and Investment messages, which are not only the most common but also the most financially damaging.
Explaining more, Woody Malouf, Head of Financial Crime at Revolut, said: “The illusion of security on encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp is being ruthlessly exploited by criminals,”
“We’re seeing consumers increasingly letting their guards down to messages received on WhatsApp more than any other platform, perhaps due to the belief that if someone has their number, they have a legitimate reason for getting in contact. The significant financial losses, particularly from job and investment scams, demonstrate the devastating impact these frauds are having on individuals.”
Revolut now wants to see social media companies to commit to reimbursement for victims of scams originating on their platforms.
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WhatsApp has always stated that making sure users stay safe is a top priority.
“Creating a safe space for our users to communicate with each other is our priority,” explained WhatsApp is a security post.
“We work diligently to reduce any spam or unwanted messages that might be sent on WhatsApp. However, just like regular SMS or phone calls, it’s possible for other WhatsApp users who have your phone number to contact you. They may or may not be saved in your contacts.”
WhatsApp has also posted some tips on how to avoid scams and what dangerous messages usually look like.
“There are clues that might indicate you’ve received a suspicious message, or that the sender can’t be trusted” WhatsApp added.
Look out for these signs:
• Typos or grammatical mistakes
• Asking you to tap on a link, activate a new feature through a link, or download an app
• Asking you to share your personal information, like credit card or bank account numbers, birth date, or passwords
• Asking you to forward a message
• Asking for money or claiming that you have to pay to use WhatsApp
The scammer pretends they’re someone you know
• The message is about the lottery, gambling, a job, an investment, or a loan
• The person starts chatting with you to gain your trust before asking for personal information