WhatsApp web page scam on rise as people are clicking on fake link
It seems that WhatsApp Web scam is on the rise as this has prompted authorities to issue a warning, highlighting the threat it poses to unsuspecting users and their online security. People are clicking on fake WhatsApp web links and giving access to their accounts to scammers
It seems that WhatsApp Web scam is on the rise as this has prompted authorities to issue a warning, highlighting the threat it poses to unsuspecting users and their online security. People are clicking on fake WhatsApp web links and giving access to their accounts to scammers, according to a report. While this has been reported in Singapore, there are chances that a similar scam could also happen to Indians or people from other countries.
The law enforcement agencies of the country have raised the alarm about fraudulent websites and reported that the perpetrators of this scam employ a deceptive approach that capitalizes on the trust users place in search engines. Many victims seeking to access WhatsApp on their computers typically turn to online search engines to locate the official WhatsApp Web page. However, driven by the desire for quick access, a substantial number of users click on the first few search results without verifying the URL links, according to The Straits Times.
The cited source says these seemingly harmless clicks inadvertently direct users to phishing websites, that are embedded with a genuine-looking QR code that looks similar to WhatsApp’s official website. Once on these deceptive sites, victims are prompted to scan the QR code using their mobile phones.
The scam takes a dark twist at this point. Scanning the QR code renders the webpage unresponsive, thereby granting malicious actors remote access to victims’ WhatsApp accounts. With such access in hand, scammers then reportedly request for personal details, internet banking credentials, or money transfers to designated bank accounts.
What makes this scam particularly dangerous is that victims often fail to immediately realize that their accounts have been compromised, even though they may eventually notice that the QR codes on the fake phishing websites do not lead them to WhatsApp Web’s desktop interface. This oversight occurs because they can still access WhatsApp, leading them to believe that all is well.
The police have emphasized that victims typically only become aware of the compromise when their contacts inform them of unusual requests, such as requests for money transfers or banking credentials made in their name. By that point, the damage may already be done.
To stay safe from such WhatsApp scams, users are advised to exercise caution and follow some crucial steps. One should ensure that they are using the official WhatsApp Desktop App and visiting the legitimate WhatsApp Web webpage. In addition to this, one should avoid sharing WhatsApp verification codes, enable two-step verification for additional security, and monitor linked devices for enhanced security.