WhatsApp has proven to be a fairly secure application, But existing scams usually come from the users. This is due to reasons of ignorance, making their behavior in the application more vulnerable.
What happens is that users start to sharing personal data with identity theft. This work by the scammers is "quite an art" since they implement social engineering to ropen informationThe worst thing is that they are provided by the same people without injecting any kind of force. Let's see how to avoid falling for these scams and what we should not share on WhatsApp.
What personal data should not be shared on WhatsApp?
When we start a chat on WhatsApp, it activates end-to-end encryption. That is, no one except those involved in the conversation will have access to what is said there. However, This can be tricky if the chat is with a scammer..
For the thief, WhatsApp security does not matter since he will have a direct interaction with the user.. Through various techniques of persuasion, manipulation and social engineering, it is able to extract personal data. With this information it can steal money from bank accounts, break into your mobile phone, steal credentials, among others. Let's see what we should avoid sharing on this messaging app:
Do not share bank details
If you receive a WhatsApp message requesting bank details, it is best to report the chat and report it to the authorities. We tell you from the start that, No public, private, social or community entity can request this type of information..
It doesn't matter if they give you the best introduction, it's simply personal information, highly sensitive and impossible to share. If you find yourself in the middle of this situation, it's probably a scam or an attempted scam, so we recommend you ignore the message. It's important that you alert others about what has happened to you to minimize the number of victims.
Profile and account credentials
The credentials of your social media profiles or accounts are extremely personal. If you accidentally share any of them – for example – your Gmail account, The scammer will have access to a lot of information. In addition, device links, password changes, access links, among others.
There is no rational reason for a WhatsApp contact to ask you for this information.If so, you are probably seconds away from being completely scammed and even having your digital identity stolen. If this happens, cybercrime can be committed with your profiles, which can go from a minor situation to one with major legal problems.
You don't share your verification keys
There is the possibility that In the middle of the scam, the thief will tell you that a code will arrive on your cell phone and that for “security reasons” you must share it. If you do so, you would be giving up access to your WhatsApp account or another platform where you have two-step verification enabled.
This security key is available in most applications that store sensitive information. It is a key that you must enter every time you try to log in on a new deviceIf the scammer asks you for it, do not give it to avoid being a victim of scams and theft.
Avoid downloading applications or clicking on links
When a WhatsApp user, known or stranger, sends you a link to enter or download a program, do not do it firsthand. Before Check who it is and if it is really reliable.. Even if you are waiting for that information to log in, have a little common sense and check the link.
For example, if you receive a link from a social network, make sure that the domain (what comes after the www or https) is the same as the website you want to access. Read carefully before clicking on the link, and if you are downloading an application, it is better to find it yourself in a reliable application store.
Don't share locations with strangers
WhatsApp has a feature that allows you to share your current or real-time location. It is quite useful if we want someone to know where we are or where the place where we will be is. However, We do not recommend doing this with strangers. as they may use the information for other purposes. If you use this feature, do so with nearby users who really need to know where you are.
WhatsApp can be a scene of scams, even though the app is not involved in what happened, as users we must be more responsible and guarantee our information. No one forces us to share personal data, but if we do so it is at our own risk. Be smarter when chatting with people on the app and avoid being scammed. Please share this information and alert others about the situation.