Anyone with a WhatsApp account would be wise to follow the latest advice from the messaging firm to stop their accounts from being targeted by cyber crooks. With the recent resurgence of a worrying six-digit text scam - that can give hackers full access to private chats - WhatsApp has reminded its billions of users about the dangers of falling for fake messages.
Due to its massive popularity, WhatsApp is always going to be a big target for thieves but there are simple ways to avoid becoming a victim including heading to the settings and making sure your profile picture is private.
WhatsApp says this is an easy way to keep your identity safe as strangers can't view the photo or steal it in a bid to trick friends or contacts into believing that they are speaking to you.
The change takes seconds and is definitely worth considering if you're worried about scams or online threats.
How to make your profile picture visible only to your contacts.
Tap Settings > Account > Privacy > Profile Picture > then change to My contacts.
Perhaps the biggest reason to hide your face from view is the dreaded ‘friend in need’ scam. This is where the hacker pretends to be a close family member and then asks for money to be transferred due to their phone and wallet being lost or stolen.
It's thought that thousands of pounds have been pinched using this method and it continues to be a favoured tactic used by online crooks.
Along with changing your profile picture, WhatsApp has also issued some other good advice to help its billions of users avoid having their accounts hacked which includes taking time to think before responding and never sharing codes sent to your phone if you have not asked for them.
Here are all the latest tips you should know
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.
Speaking about the safety of its service a WhatsApp spokesperson told Mirror.co.uk: "WhatsApp protects your 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.
"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. If you get a message from someone who isn't in your contacts, we give you the option to block or report them straight away.”
