Police Warn Public: How To Prevent WhatsApp Fraud And Stay Safe Online
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Thiruvananthapuram police have issued a fresh warning to the public about a rise in WhatsApp account hacking and fraud attempts. According to officials, cybercriminals are targeting unsuspecting users to gain access to personal data, which is then misused for scams and financial fraud.
How Fraudsters Operate
Police explained that fraudsters often approach victims through WhatsApp messages or regular phone calls, posing as friends, promotional agents, or offering attractive deals. Once trust is established, victims are tricked into sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
By obtaining OTPs, miscreants can log into the victim’s WhatsApp account on another device. Victims are then locked out of their own accounts for up to 12–14 hours. During this time, scammers send messages to contacts in the victim’s list, often requesting urgent money transfers.
Police Safety Guidelines
To prevent falling victim to such scams, police have urged the public to follow these security practices:
Authorities emphasised that awareness is the strongest tool against cybercrime. By taking small steps like enabling security features and avoiding unknown links or calls, users can protect themselves and their contacts from WhatsApp fraudsters.
How Fraudsters Operate
Police explained that fraudsters often approach victims through WhatsApp messages or regular phone calls, posing as friends, promotional agents, or offering attractive deals. Once trust is established, victims are tricked into sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
By obtaining OTPs, miscreants can log into the victim’s WhatsApp account on another device. Victims are then locked out of their own accounts for up to 12–14 hours. During this time, scammers send messages to contacts in the victim’s list, often requesting urgent money transfers.
Police Safety Guidelines
To prevent falling victim to such scams, police have urged the public to follow these security practices:
- Enable Two-Step Verification: Activate this feature in WhatsApp settings to add an extra layer of protection.
- Never Share OTPs: No genuine company or service provider will ever ask for OTPs.
- Beware of Spam Calls and Messages: Avoid engaging with unknown numbers or unsolicited offers.
- Do Not Open Suspicious Links or Files: Hackers often disguise malware in attachments or links.
- Report Immediately: If you suspect fraud, dial the helpline 1930 without delay.
Authorities emphasised that awareness is the strongest tool against cybercrime. By taking small steps like enabling security features and avoiding unknown links or calls, users can protect themselves and their contacts from WhatsApp fraudsters.
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