WhatsApp is a hotbed of scams
Kaspersky warns against opening and interacting with messages claiming to be from delivery companies. The same company has pointed out a growing number of scams using WhatsApp in order to defraud users into paying money, as well as others pushing fake apps and online romance sites.
Experts have warned that criminals are exploiting longstanding issues with global supply and delivery chains to trick victims into identity theft fraud.
Delivery scams using WhatsApp
Kaspersky says it has seen a significant increase in scams taking advantage of the huge growth in online shipping spurred by the pandemic.
Increasingly localized campaigns see criminals sending invoices in different languages asking for payment to cover tariffs or shipping. However, by clicking on a link or attachment, victims will be redirected to a fake website, where their bank or card details are stolen.
Criminals have also reportedly started running websites that claim to offer a lottery scheme for the chance to purchase packages that could not reach the intended recipients. Such websites offering mystery packages accept offers, but victims have found that even if they “win” the prize, it never happens.
“As in the past, we are seeing attackers take advantage of new trends and disruptions to steal money and credentials, whether it’s a growing email user or a persistent delivery issue. mail during a pandemic, ”notes Tatyana Shcherbakova, senior web content analyst. at Kaspersky.
“Spam and phishing programs remain among the most effective ways to launch successful attacks because they play on human emotion. The best thing that users can do is beware of unexpected emails and be extra careful when clicking attachments or links in an email. go directly to the site. ”
Kaspersky advises people to always check links in messages or emails before clicking
Elsewhere, a scam campaign taking advantage of WhatsApp’s recent privacy policy change regarding information sharing with Facebook has also been detected. Users were given invitations to participate in WhatsApp chats with “beautiful strangers” – but when they clicked on the link, they were taken to a fake Facebook login page where their login details were stolen.
As usual, Kaspersky advises people to always check links in messages or emails before clicking, and install a comprehensive security solution to make sure you stay protected against the latest threats.
