Phishing is the most common form of cybercrime. Although it occurs primarily via email, messaging applications have also become an increasingly targeted for phishing attacks. No matter which messenger you use, whether it’s WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger, you have the potential to be a victim of phishing if you’re not careful enough.
You might be surprised to know that 90% of phishing attacks occur on WhatsApp. Well, if you’re surprised, don’t – it’s the most popular communications platform in the world, so it makes total sense to be exploited by scammers.
But how do you recognize phishing on WhatsApp? What steps can you do to ensure safety?
Identify WhatsApp Phishing Messages
One day, you might receive a WhatsApp message with an unknown number claiming to be a long-lost friend, or the deal offered sounds too good to give up. These are classic signs of phishing attempts, where scammers try to trick you into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links.
Understanding common characteristics of phishing attempts and seeing real-world examples of WhatsApp phishing scams can make the world different. Here are some details that can help you find these threats more alert and savvy.
Common features of phishing attempts on whatsapp
- Unsolicited Message: You receive a message from an unknown number. You have never interacted with this number before, but they sent you a message with a link.
- Urgent or Threat: The scammer knows that the most effective way to get someone to click on a link is to threaten or create a sense of urgency. “If you don’t verify your account, it will be suspended” and “click on the link now to win the $1,000 price”.
- Personal Information Request: The scammer may ask for your login credentials, credit card number or social security number. They also send verification links that lead to fake websites.
- Suspicious Links or Attachments: Apparently, this is the main giveaway to the phishing scam. The second time you click on a link or download an attachment, you will be redirected to a malicious website or download malware to your device.
- Too courteous or formal language: Although these may indicate that a legitimate company is contacting you, in some cases, scammers have exploited this approach.
- Too good realistic offer: If someone tries to sell luxury goods for half the price or offers a lottery that guarantees results, you will most likely deal with phishing.
Ideal Practice for Handling Suspicious Messages on WhatsApp
Avoid interacting with unknown contacts
When receiving messages from unfamiliar numbers, use a reverse phone search to find out who it is and find metrics that can guide your response. Avoid replying to unknown numbers messages that are not saved in your contacts, as contact with scammers can put you at risk.
Verify the sender’s identity
If you are unsure of an unknown contact, verify their identity before further participation. Start a voice or video call to verify their identity. Video calls are particularly effective in confirming whether the sender is indeed the person they claim to be.
Exchange contact details through another known method, such as calling a mutual friend. Be careful when interacting with unknown contacts, as they can pose risks.
Report and block suspicious contacts
WhatsApp provides the ability to report and block suspicious contacts, which is essential to keeping security. Use the reporting feature to warn WhatsApp about potential fraud. The report contact will send the last five messages to WhatsApp for review.
Once the senders are reported, block them and delete suspicious messages immediately. These actions help provide everyone with a safe and secure security and protect you from future phishing attempts.
Protect your WhatsApp account from phishing
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) can significantly improve the security of WhatsApp accounts. Enable 2FA by navigating to Account Settings, select Two-Step Verification and follow the prompts to set the six-digit pin.
In addition to the password, this additional layer of security verification code is required, which makes it harder for scammers to access your account.
Regularly update passwords and security settings
Regularly updating your password and tweaking security settings is another effective way to protect your WhatsApp account. Adjusting your privacy settings to limit who can send messages to only known contacts adds another layer of security.
Using third-party security applications
Third-party security applications can provide additional protection for phishing attacks. Consider using highly rated security applications such as Norton Mobile Security and BitDefender Mobile Security that effectively detect website phishing sites and malicious links. These applications offer features such as real-time scans and automatic updates to keep your device safe.
What to do if you become a victim of WhatsApp phishing scam
If you suspect you have become a victim of a phishing scam, act quickly. Unfamiliar transaction alerts or account lockout notifications may indicate unauthorized access. A confirmation email for your unsolicited password reset may also indicate that your account has been compromised.
If you become a victim of phishing on WhatsApp, this is what you should do.
Determine the signs of a compromise account
It is crucial to identify signs of compromised accounts. Symptoms may include unexpected messages sent from your account, changes in profile information, or difficulty accessing your account.
If you notice these signs, take immediate action to protect your account from further threats.
Restore your account
To restore your account, verify it with your phone number and the SMS code sent by WhatsApp to log out of any unauthorized users.
If login is blocked due to two-step verification, wait seven days to regain access if you haven’t set it up before.
Contact WhatsApp Support
Please contact WhatsApp Support to ensure your WhatsApp account and report suspicious activity. While WhatsApp support can’t deactivate your account or track unauthorized access, they can recommend Swift Recovery Action.
Let’s summarize
Recognizing and protecting yourself from WhatsApp phishing scams involves understanding common characteristics, properly handling suspicious messages, and implementing security measures such as two-factor authentication.
Remember that vigilance and proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of victims of phishing scams.
