Spotting WhatsApp scams
It was noted last year that there were 15 WhatsApps scams doing the rounds.
Now it has been reported by Which? that the most common scams were as follows:
- Friend in need scam
- Game giveaways
- WhatsApp gold upgrade
- Exclusive groups
- A verification code scam
- WhatsApp job offers
It has also been pointed out that you should be beware if the offer seems too good to be true, if it has come from an unknown or random contact, you are being invited to a group you haven’t heard of, or if it is an offer for an app update, as app updates are automatic, and particularly if there is a request for personal information and links are included in the message.
App Store scams
Apple has produced information to help people to spot scams related to the App Store or ITunes store.
Which? has reported recently that bogus VPN apps that aimed to steal data from people have been removed from the App Store.
Which? Has helpfully provided a list of seven ways you can avoid dodgy scam apps found here.
Don’t get conned on Booking.com
It was reported on numerous occasions last year that people were getting conned by dubious scammers pretending to be Booking.com.
Which? has again warned people about how to avoid these scams.and to watch out for:
- Fake accommodation listings
- Holidays that seem too good to be true
- You can spot scams by carrying out a reverse image search using Tiny Eye
- Beware of scammers using social media to try and sell fake holidays
What to do if you accidentally click a scam link
Norton has published advice about what you can do if you accidentally click on a scam link. Read more about it here.
Which? has also given advice about what to do.They recommend the following:
- Stop interacting with the website
- Switch off your device immediately
- Check your device for threats.
You can read more about what Which suggests to do here.
Keep your email safe from hackers
It has been noted that “email hacking refers to unauthorized access to an email account or email correspondence. This access is often obtained by cybercriminals for malicious purposes, such as stealing personal information, executing phishing scams or spreading malware. The ultimate goal can vary, ranging from financial gain, to corporate espionage or identity threat”.
Which? has offered the following advice if you want to keep your email address safe from hacking:
- Recover the account and change the password
- Log out of all other devices
- Check your auto-forward settings
- Examine your inbox filters
- Notify your contacts
You can learn more about how to avoid your emails from being hacked here.
What are brushing scams?
Which? has also been talking about brushing scams. These involve receiving gifts you never ordered and are described as a “sneaky” scam.
Which? has advised that you should not use the item, if you receive an unsolicited parcel. Instead you should report it to the marketplace it came from. This would include if it came from Amazon, eBay or AliExpress.
For more information about how to deal with brushing scams click here.
Scam Sharer tool
For information on how to share scam warnings and help protect others, see Which?’s Scam Sharer tool.
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