The attempts of fraud and fraud against the unsuspecting users are multiplying: one of the favorite channels is logically WhatsAppthe most used instant messaging app in the world. In the last few days one is circulating one that comes from an unknown number with a female voice that claims to be called Flora.
What happens on the phone
The scam is only at the beginning: those who are on the other side of the phone uses the classic excuse of the disturbed line and invites the unfortunate to move the conversation to WhatsApp. The computer experts explain that, beyond the handset, there would be no flora in flesh and blood but it would be rather a bot, or a computer program designed to perform the actions of a human being through automated and repetitive activities. At that point, the fake flora first tries to establish a relationship of trust so as to extort as many private information as possible.
How the scam is happening
To enter even more in tune, many users have denounced the reception of photographs that are all created with artificial intelligence: after exchangeing a few words in chat, here the bot makes sure that the user can follow him on another telephone number where, however, the conversation blocks. From here it is understood that the end of everything is to deceive poor unfortunate to try to get sensitive data and, why not, access the bank account. Some cybersecurity experts explain it could be an attempt to “romance scam”, that is, a sentimental scam trying to subtract money from people who are not opposed to WhatsApp.
How to defend yourself
We have said it several times for similar scams: first of all, do not give in to the temptation to converse on WhatsApp and become “intimate” of cybercriminals avoiding always providing their sensitive data. When an unknown number appears, it is good not to respond or do all the necessary checks, upstream, to understand who it may be. The most useful thing to do is block in the bud any attempt to exchange messages both with the phone call you receive but also block the contact in chat so as not to take any danger.
On WhatsApp there has been the possibility of reporting false contacts for some time
Like Spam: it is good to do it like this will be the developers themselves to block this attempt to scam. It is obvious to say it but you must never provide your bank credentials, photos, personal data and passwords.