How to stay safe on WhatsApp!

Protect Yourself from WhatsApp Scams: Tips and Steps to Stay Safe!?

In today's digital age, WhatsApp has become an essential tool for communication. However, its popularity has also made it a target for scammers. Here are some common WhatsApp scams and how you can protect yourself against them.

(Note: There will be a slight difference in the settings for Android to Ios.)?

Common WhatsApp Scams?

1. Profile Photo Scams:

Scammers use your profile photo to make fake calls/texts to your family and friends, demanding money. They might morph your photo and try to extract money from you.?

How to fix this? - Set Your Profile Photo to Private?

• Step 1: Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.?

• Step 2: Tap on Account and then Privacy.?

• Step 3: Under Profile Photo, select My Contacts or Nobody to limit who can see your profile photo.?

?2. Unknown Group Additions:

Spammers, Scammers add you to unknown WhatsApp groups and send spam messages, scam links or money demands through these groups.?

How to fix this? - Review and Manage Group Privacy Settings?

• Step 1: Go to Settings and tap Account.?

• Step 2: Select Privacy and then Groups.?

• Step 3: Choose who can add you to groups by selecting My Contacts or My Contacts Except or Nobody...?

?3. Verification code scams:

Scammers trick you into sending a verification code that gives them access to your WhatsApp. The unknown sender will apologize for sending you their WhatsApp verification code. Following this, they will press you to share that code with them.?

How to fix this? - Enable Two-Step Verification?

• Step 1: Go to Settings and select Account.?

• Step 2: Tap on Two-step verification and then Enable.?

• Step 3: Set a six-digit PIN and provide an email address for recovery.?

?4. WhatsApp Account Take Over:

Scammers may ask to borrow your phone to make a call. Once they have your phone, they log into your WhatsApp Web account and misuse your WhatsApp to send fraudulent messages or access personal information.?

How to fix this? ?

Avoid Letting Unknown Person?Use Your Phone?

• Be cautious if someone asks to use your phone for a call. They might log into your WhatsApp Web account and misuse it.?

• If you must lend your phone, monitor their usage closely and immediately check for any unauthorized WhatsApp Web sessions.?

Check for Unauthorized WhatsApp Web Sessions?

• Step 1: Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots in the top right corner.?

• Step 2: Select Linked Devices.?

• Step 3: Review the list of active sessions and log out of any you do not recognize.?

• Also enable Two-step verification.?

?5. Fake Government Messages/Messages from Unknown:

You may receive messages from unknown numbers claiming to be government portals asking for challan payments. Clicking on these links can install malicious APK files that steal your personal information, leading to financial theft.?

How to fix this? ?

Block Unknown Contacts and Report Spam?

• Step 1: If you receive a suspicious message, open the chat.?

• Step 2: Tap the contact's name at the top.?

• Step 3: Scroll down and tap Block Contact. You can also select Report Contact to report the number to WhatsApp.?

Be Cautious with Links and Attachments?

• Always verify the sender before clicking on any links or downloading attachments.?

• If you receive a suspicious link, do not click on it. Report the message and delete it immediately.?

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Regularly Update WhatsApp?

• Keep your app updated to ensure you have the latest security features.?

• Visit your device's app store and check for updates regularly.?

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to WhatsApp scams. Stay vigilant and always prioritize your privacy and security while using the app.?

Share this information with your friends and family to help them stay safe on WhatsApp as well. Together, we can make the digital space a safer place for everyone.?

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