WhatsApp users have been issued some advice from the instant messaging provider after new analysis showed scams were on the rise.
According to research from Lloyds Bank, fraudsters are increasingly turning to the instant messaging app in a bid to con users out of their hard-earned cash. The total number of scams reported as starting on WhatsApp had increased twenty-fold between 2020 and 2021.
On average, victims of the scams lost around £1,950 each. Users have been warned by the banking giant that scam messages can seem "very personal" and will often use the pretence of being a family member who has lost their phone.
READ MORE: Warning issued over WhatsApp scam where people lose thousands
National Trading Standards also reports a rise in "friend in need" scams where people are contacted under false pretences asking for money in an emergency situation. WhatsApp has now issued three steps users should take to protect themselves.
Stop - Take five before you respond. Make sure your WhatsApp two-step verification is switched on to protect your account; that you're happy with your privacy settings, and your six-digit pin is secure.
Think - Does this request make sense? Are they asking you to share a PIN code which they have had sent to you? Are they asking for money? Are they rushing you into taking action? Remember that scammers prey on people’s kindness, trust and willingness to help.
Call - Verify that it really is your friend or family member by calling them directly, or asking them to share a voice note. Only when you’re 100% sure the request is from someone you know and trust, should you consider it. If it turns out to be untrue, report it to Action Fraud.
The Stop Think Call campaign was launched by WhatsApp and the National Trading Standards’ Friends Against Scams campaign (with support from Citizens Advice) in November 2021. Its aim is to help people understand simple steps they can take to stay safe from scams.
Kathryn Harnett, policy manager at WhatsApp, said: “WhatsApp protects our users’ personal messages with end-to-end encryption, but we can all play a role in keeping our accounts safe by remaining vigilant to the threat of scammers. We advise people never to share their six-digit PIN code with others, not even friends or family, and recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security.
"And if you receive a suspicious message (even if you think you know who it’s from), calling or requesting a voice note is the fastest and simplest way to check someone is who they say they are. A friend in need is a friend worth calling.”
More information on keeping your WhatsApp account safe can be found here.
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