Take extra caution when you log into your WhatsApp as a phishing scam on the app is allegedly making the rounds.
According to Honeydew CPF, scammers pretend to be a friend or family member and send a reset code to your phone, and in turn say they need to code urgently. Public relations officer for the Honeydew CPF, Michael Steyn said, “The request will come from a friend/ family member’s WhatsApp and it will look very legit.”
He warned users not to share the six-digit code, saying, “The code is actually your WhatsApp account. If you do send it they will simply hack you and you will have no access to your account. They will then follow the same process and pretend to be you when contacting your friends.” He added that the objective of this scam is unknown, but a few residents have already fallen victim to it.
The police describe phishing scams as methods to deceitfully obtain information such as passwords, identity numbers and credit cards by calling, sending emails or cellphone messages that look like they come from trusted sources.
Keep the following in mind regarding your internet activity or personal information:
• Never respond to emails or cellphone messages appearing to be from your bank, which request your personal details. Remember that no bank will ever ask you to confirm or update your account details by email.
• Never provide your online ID, password or PIN to anyone, and never write them down or share them.
• Do not save your internet banking password on your desktop.
• Do not leave your computer unattended after you have entered your internet banking password.
• Always log off or sign off at the end of a session.
• Avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as internet cafés, or on any computer that can be accessed by people you do not know.
• Change your PIN and passwords frequently.
• Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts.
• Only provide your credit card details to reputable companies.
• If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
• NEVER send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.
