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There's a new scam targeting WhatsApp users - here's what to watch out for

The National Cyber Security Centre has put out a warning to the app’s users.

THE NATIONAL CYBER Security Centre is warning the public of a sophisticated scam technique that has targeted WhatsApp users in Ireland.

The NCSC has become aware of a scam that involves WhatsApp verification codes and that can give a scammer full access to a victim’s WhatsApp account.

It is warning WhatsApp users to keep any login verification codes private and to be cautious of any messages containing urgent requests for money or sensitive information, even if it may appear to be from someone they know.

According to the NCSC, this is what the scam involves:

  • The scammer obtains the victim’s phone number
  • The scammer enters the victim’s phone number into the WhatsApp login page as if they were trying to sign in to that account
  • WhatsApp sends a verification code to the victim’s phone as part of its security process
  • At the same time, the scammer contacts the victim through WhatsApp while pretending to be a friend or family member from the victim’s contact list, which they are able to do because they have already compromised someone else’s account using this technique
  • The scammer, using a compromised account of a contact, messages the victim asking them to share the verification code they received
  • In the message, the scammer creates a sense of urgency, making it seem like a time sensitive request from a trusted contact
  • The victim may believe they are helping a friend or family member and share the verification code, which allows the scammer to sign in to the victim’s WhatsApp account.

The NCSC says that sharing the code can give the scammer full access to the victim’s WhatsApp account, which the scammer can then use to lock the victim out of their account and repeat the scam on their contacts.

It can lead to additional security breaches and potential financial or personal losses.

To protect themselves, the NCSC says that WhatsApp users should keep any verification code private, activate two-step verification for logging in to their account, be cautious of any ‘urgent’ requests even if they appear to come from someone they know, and report any suspicious activity and block the suspicious account.

If an account has been compromised and someone has gained unauthorised access, users can contact WhatsApp support at support@whatsapp.com for assistance and should contact their local garda station.

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18 Comments
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    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute michael powell
    Favourite michael powell
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    Oct 2nd 2024, 1:36 AM

    When will people realise that the housing situation is policy?

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute H Woo
    Favourite H Woo
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    Oct 2nd 2024, 12:00 AM

    Defund the NGOs.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Hazzard
    Favourite Pat Hazzard
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    Oct 1st 2024, 7:24 PM

    Lacklustre? Housing budget is being boosted by €3,000,000,000 from sale of AIB shares going to Land Development Agency and to upgrade the water and energy infrastructure needed for housing, plus 6,400 new affordable and cost rental homes.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Kerr
    Favourite Kevin Kerr
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    Oct 1st 2024, 7:32 PM

    @Pat Hazzard: tip of the iceberg stuff when you consider the number of homes that we need to build

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nick Bowie
    Favourite Nick Bowie
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    Oct 2nd 2024, 10:19 AM

    Worked all my life paid tax prsi and usc, now in receipt of contributory OAP .
    Got the same €12 in the budget as someone who has never worked, never will and contributes nothing, where is the respect and maybe a little thanks?

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Smartr
    Favourite Gavin Smartr
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    Oct 2nd 2024, 8:31 AM

    The simple fact is anyone that can’t afford there own home are not going to vote fffg anyway so why try to buy them off now. Its to late to influence there vote. All we do in this country is pay taxes so fffg have enough money to buy votes. Simples.

    8
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