WhatsApp Scams: Learn How to Recognize and Counter Them to Avoid Being Scammed | Cyber ​​Fraud | Promotions | Cybercrimes | Theft | Bank accounts | Deposits | Payments | | TECHNOLOGIES

According to Statista, 86% of Peruvians surveyed between April and June 2023 indicated that they mainly use social networks such as whatsapp and Facebook Messenger as instant messaging applications. That’s why it makes sense that cybercriminals target these media with their strategies. This information even matches what is stated on the Peruvian government portal, which indicates fraud aggravated by the use of social networks such as whatsappamong the most frequently committed cybercrimes in the country.

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A specific case of such atrocities was reported by El Español about the tactics of cybercriminals, which consist in using video calls from whatsapp spy on mobile phone screens. Criminals ask their victims to press the call exchange button to see their notifications as incoming text messages. This may lead to loss of account and theft of bank details.

Now, to avoid becoming another victim of cybercriminals, it is important to understand the modus operandi of these actors. How can I recognize a scam and what steps can I take to protect myself? El Comercio spoke with Mario Micucci, computer security specialist at ESET Latin America, to get answers.

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Phishing as the most used method

The expert claims that one of the techniques most often used by cybercriminals in media such as whatsapp This is phishing. This consists of “trick the user into opening a link or downloading a file“Potentially malicious,” he said. This action can lead to various paths, such as Malware infection or credential theft.

This type of attack manifests itself through messages that a cybersecurity expert classifies into three categories: those that contain generous offersothers who promise money and those who represent threat. All with the goal of potentially attracting the victim’s interest.

For example, in the first case, Mario notes that cybercriminals usually send offers for flights or accommodation in Vacation periods. They also take advantage of events like Cyber ​​Monday or Black Friday, when several stores offer discounts.

“These messages appear to offer good deals, but they are actually hiding a malicious link or file. This is one of the most common things that can usually be seen“, held.

In another case, messages appear promising quick and easy financial benefits. ESET has discovered that computer criminals are offering unexpected inheritances or fake lottery prizes.

“They all messages that stimulate the user’s emotionality, whether to cause joy by announcing that you have won a prize or found a tempting offer,” he claimed Micucci. Thus, in this emotional state, the user tends to act without thinking and click automatically.

On the other hand, Micucci explained that there are also messages that take threatening tone, such as warnings that if the password for a particular item is not changed, the account will be locked. These messages cause alarm and anxiety in the user, who feels the need to take immediate action. In such a state of distress, the user may not think clearly and click on links or download files without checking their authenticity.

What actions to take

To take preventative measures, we must first be aware of the methods and tactics used by cybercriminals, as awareness helps us identify possible warning signs and make more informed decisions when interacting on social networks such as whatsapp.

“No needespecially for the end user, be an expert or a technician who can prevent such a situation. To do this, there are different ways to obtain information.“added the ESET expert. As an example, he cites the news portal of a cybersecurity company called WeLiveSecurity.

In case of fraud in whatsappimportant recommendation determine if the number is unknown and then block it. Scammers usually contact you from foreign numbers and can send messages, make calls and even video calls. According to Jorge Ceballos, general manager of ESET Peru, speaking to media Infobae, these scammers pose as e-commerce companies such as Amazon in order to require you to complete certain procedures in order to receive income in return.

Other measures suggested by the specialist are the following:

• Invest in Legitimate Security Solutions to protect your devices and prevent threats such as potentially malicious file downloads.
• Keep your systems up to date. Updates help fix vulnerabilities and protect our devices from possible cyber attacks.
• Take advantage of the security features built into mobile operating systems.. These features can help detect and prevent fraudulent activity, such as calls or messages from unknown origins.
• No legitimate organization will ask for your user credentials via message. To confirm the legitimacy of the request, it is advisable to contact the bank or organization directly.

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Finally, remember that these suggestions apply not only to a meta messaging application, but to any online communication system, since cyber attacks can also occur in various ways.