WhatsApp users are being urged to make changes to the way they use the messaging app amid ongoing scams.
The messaging service, which has around two billion monthly users across the globe, is warning them to make sure their profile picture is made private.
The simple switch comes as leaving the setting public could give hackers an advantage as your profile picture can give hackers some huge clues to your identity and that can make it much easier to fall victim to the latest scams.
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According to the Express, the infamous "Hi mum" attack and worrying "six-digit code" threat are currently circulating around the web and both are more effective if the hacker knows more about you including your gender.
The change takes seconds and is definitely worth considering if you're worried about scams or becoming a victim of the latest online threats.
How to make your profile picture visible only to your contacts.
- Tap Settings
- Account
- Privacy
- Profile Picture
- Change to My contacts.
Once this is done, only the people you know will be able to see the photo - strangers won't
Two scams to watch out for
'Hi mum' scam
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.
Action Fraud recently confirmed that more than 1,200 people handed over a total of £1.5 million to cyber thieves in 2022 alone via this attack.
Six-digit code text
This threat arrives with a message that states a friend has lost their phone and needs a code to be sent to a new number to get things back up and running.
However, the code is actually to get access to your account and once the hacker activates it you will be locked out of your chats and they will have full access to your contacts. This can then be used to scam more people and try and steal money.
Along with making that change to your profile picture in the settings, WhatsApp has issued some other top advice to help its billions of users avoid having their accounts hacked.
Remember...
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.
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