April 1 - 15 , 2018 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY 17
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Vancouver , BC - Social media and other communications platforms are certainly no stranger to hackers and scams . Our personal , online pages are rich in information and friend lists that scammers like to go after , and of course , your money is a target as well .
BBB serving Mainland BC has been made aware of a scam
BBB Warning : Another WhatsApp Scam Poised to Hit our Shores
targeting WhatsApp users in China with concerns Canadians will be targeted as well . WhatsApp is a free , cross-platform messaging service application owned by Facebook that accesses the user ’ s own phone number and allows text , image , and video messaging on mobile devices . It ’ s a popular app for traveling as users can call home via wi-fi without having to incur extra roaming charges on their plans . Currently , over one billion people around the world use the app .
The scam BBB has been hearing about is akin to the Emergency Grandparent Scam . This is when a crook contacts their victim , claims to be a relative in trouble who then bilks money from unsuspecting seniors . In the WhatsApp scenario , the scammer manages to hack a friend ’ s account then they contact the victim asking for money , often requesting to buy online gaming point cards .
“ The tough thing about scams
like these is that they appear to be coming from someone you know and likely trust ,” says Evan Kelly , Senior Communications Advisor for BBB serving Mainland BC . “ The conversation may start off as normal , but then it gravitates to what might seem like an odd suggestion or request involving money . It may seem odd coming from your friend .”
WhatsApp has been used by scammers for a variety of schemes , many in the form of smishing texts and emails such as this fake offer of airline tickets . If it seems too good to be true , it is .
Tips to Protect Yourself from an App Scam
* Get antivirus software for your phone . Just as you use antivirus software for your computer , you should get similar software for your mobile devices .
* Confirm , confirm , confirm .
Contact your ‘ friend ’ directly outside of the app to make sure it is or is not them .
* Search before you click . If something seems suspicious , do a quick search online . You can easily find out if the new deal or feature is for real .
* Enable Two Step Verification . WhatsApp offers this to better protect your information . Also , you can limit who can see your information in the app ’ s security settings .
* Watch for the usual warning signs . Scammers might be impersonating the latest tech companies or friends , but that doesn ’ t mean their scams are sophisticated . Look for poor grammar and reply email addresses that don ’ t match the business .
* Change your passwords . Changing your passwords to any and all of your online accounts a few times a year helps protect your personal and financial information . ( evan @ mbc . bbb . org )
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