Warning over rise in scammers targeting Whatsapp group chats

A warning has been issued following reports of a rise in fraudsters targeting Whatsapp group chats.

The con sees a member of a group receive a WhatsApp audio call from the fraudster claiming to be another member of the group.

Often the scammer will use a false profile picture and/or display name to appear like a genuine member of the group in a bid to gain the individual’s trust.

The fraudster will tell the victim they are sending them a one-time passcode which will allow them to join an upcoming video call for group members.

From there criminal asks the victim to share this passcode with them so they can be “registered” for the video call.

However the criminal is asking for a registration code to register the victim’s WhatsApp account to a new device so they can take over their account.

Once the fraudster has access to the victim’s WhatsApp account, they will enable two-step verification which makes it impossible for the victim to regain access their account.

Other members of the group, or friends and family in the victim’s contacts, will then be messaged asking them to transfer money urgently as they are in desperate need of help.

Action Fraud has received more than 630 reports of the scam this year alone.

A WhatsApp spokesperson said: “All personal messages sent on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption, but we can all play a role in keeping our accounts safe.

“We recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security and advise people never to share their six-digit PIN code with others, not even with friends or family.

“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 simplest way to check that someone is who they say they are.”

The following advice has been issued by Action Fraud to help stop you from becoming a victim of the scam:

• Set up two-step verification (2SV) to give an extra layer of protection to your account.
  Tap Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
• Call: If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person outside of WhatsApp to confirm their identity.
• Report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.

If you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101.