WhatsApp users are being urged to delete a suspicious message immediately over fears scammers are using it to swipe people's personal details. Popular WhatsApp blog WABetaInfo says people should be vigilant as a 'support scam' is doing the rounds.
All two billion users of the instant messaging service are being told to exercise caution and delete the text immediately if they receive it. The scam message purports to be from a WhatsApp support account.
When you are chatting with a verified contact, there is a verified badge placed next to the contact name in the conversation screen and their chat info. The scam WhatsApp support account does not have this verified badge. Instead, it uses the blue tick in a different place - meaning it is a fake account and could be trying to take your personal details, the Liverpool Echo reports.
WhatsApp says it never asks for details about your credit card and information like your 6-digit code or two-step verification PIN. If a WhatsApp account is asking you for this, it means it is not from the messaging service.
The messaging service has issued the following advice on what to do:
- Delete the text and block the number if they receive it.
- Never hand over your security codes, a password or a pin to anyone - not even friends or family.
- Make sure two step verification is set up.
- Beware of messages asking for money. Check people's identities and try to verify who you are talking to if in any doubt.
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