WhatsApp Warns Users Change Simple Setting to Avoid Scams
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VIVA – Instant messaging app WhatsApp is warning users to change simple setting; make sure their profile pictures are private.
Even this is very simple thing to do, but many users ignore it. Because it can give opportunity for hackers to have some big clues about the user's identity where it can make them easier to fall victim to the latest scam.
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 > then change to My contacts. Once this is done, only the people you know will be able to see the photo - strangers will not.
Perhaps the biggest reason to hide your face from view is scams from criminals pretending to be known people. Hackers pretend to be close family members and then ask for money to be transferred because their phones and wallets have been lost or stolen.
Action Fraud recently confirmed that more than 1,200 people handed over a total of £1.5 million to cyber thieves throughout 2022 through one of these types of cyber attacks.
The threat comes with a message stating that a friend lost their phone and needs a code to be sent to a new number to get everything working again.
However, the code is actually to gain access to the account and once the hacker activates it, the user will be locked out of the chat and the hacker will have full access to the contacts. This can then be used to scam more people and used to steal money.
"WhatsApp protects your private messages with end-to-end encryption, but we can all play a part in keeping our accounts safe by staying alert to scammer threats," said a WhatsApp spokesperson.
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 easiest way to check out 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 right away," the company informed.