Officials at instant messaging platform WhatsApp have shared their top tips on avoiding message-based scams for their users.
The announcement comes following a recent analysis, confirming that instant messaging based scams on the platform are up by roughly 2,000 per cent in the last year.
Between 2020 and 2021, reports of scams has increased by 20 times its initial amount - with the average victim seeing off just under £2,000 (£1,950) of their hard-earned cash.
Read more: Public warned by banks over WhatsApp scam conning users out of thousands of pounds
And in turn, the popular messaging service have compiled some important advice to protect users alike, in hopes that their words may help people avoid falling for clever schemes from fraudsters.
As a deterrent Policy Manager at WhatsApp, Kathryn Harnett, 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.”
WhatsApp also launched the 'Stop. Think. Call' campaign in collaboration with the National Trading Standards’ Friends Against Scams campaign in November last year, in a bid to reduce mobile-based trickery and deceit - which sees people part ways with their hard-earned money.
Citizens Advice were also involved within the push for a safer platform itself.
The aim of the drive is to help people understand the simple steps they can take to keep their WhatsApp accounts secure and stay safe from scammers and con artists alike.
National Trading Standards has seen a rise in ‘friend in need’ scams where people are contacted under false pretences asking for money in an emergency situation, under the guise of being from a family member or friend, with research showing that almost three fifths of Brits (59%) say they have received – or know someone who has – a message-based scam in the last year.
Most notably, these scams usually are reported to come via SMS text message (46%) and on WhatsApp (13%).
Top tips from WhatsApp on avoiding message based scams:
- 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.
For more information and resources on how to stay safe online, visit the STOP. THINK. CALL Campaign and the Citizens’ Advice Blog
For more information on keeping your WhatsApp account safe visit their official website.
