Cybercriminals strike again, and once again the instant messaging platform is used as a “hunting ground” WhatsApp. There have been numerous reports received in recent days. In fact, a new scam aimed at obtaining users’ sensitive and personal data is apparently circulating. But what does it consist of?
The victims apparently receive a message sent by a alleged assistance service of the WhatsApp platform – a fake message, obviously. The text explains that, following numerous cases of violation of community standards linked to the Facebook profile of the user in question, it was decided to close the account. This, obviously, causes agitation in the victim, who believes what he has read. It doesn’t end here. The message also indicates a solution to avoid closing the profile. The user, in fact, can “make amends” by entering their login credentials in the indicated link. Unfortunately, if you click on the link, you are directed to a web page that faithfully follows those of Facebook, further misleading the unfortunate user.
In short, the objective is clear: to take possession of the passwordand the account. Accounts that criminals intend to exploit to their advantage. The tones of the message, as you can imagine, are deliberately alarmist, precisely to push the victims to act without asking themselves too many questions. In fact, there is talk of violation of Meta’s policy and closure of the profile. They are also given only 12 hours to remedy the situation. Many fall into the fraudeffectively handing over one’s accounts into the hands of criminals, who can then search for banking credentials, content that can be used for blackmail purposes, or other sensitive data.
How to avoid falling into the trap? The first thing to do, recommended by industry experts, is to keep your smartphone up to date, given that the new security patches they often constitute an effective barrier against attacks.
Secondly, you should never forget to be cautious before acting in a hurry and communicating your credentials. Furthermore, Facebook will never inform you of violations and measures via message on WhatsApp. Communications of that type, if anything, arrive on Messenger, or via emails and notifications.