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Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – WhatsApp users must be careful about various fraud methods that continue to develop through the messaging application. Because increasingly sophisticated methods have appealed to many victims.
Fraudsters through WhatsApp often use APK files that are randomly sent to other people’s cell phone numbers. The hope is that the recipient of the chat will click and download the file that turns out to contain a malicious application that is able to break into a number of important data such as accounts.
This hacking method, known as phishing, is similar to the crime of sending links via email. Online fraudsters hope that the recipient of the email or WhatsApp will give access without notice so that their cell phone or financial account can be hijacked or stolen.
For more information, here are several methods of online fraud on WhatsApp this year:
1. Courier Method
This fraud was reported by an Instagram account that revealed a Telegram chat with someone claiming to be from J&T. The fraudster sends attachments with a file name in apk format with the words VIEW Package Photos’.
Those who download the file will lose money deposited in the bank. Various data, including finances, will be taken by the makers.
2. Wedding Invitation File
This fraud has become a topic of discussion because many WhatsApp users have received it. An apk file was sent to them by an unknown person, which is a wedding invitation.
The file or application titled Digital Wedding Invitation Letter is 6.6 MB in size. Fraudsters invite their victims to open files to verify the authenticity of the files inside.
3. Fake traffic ticket
Several netizens found themselves receiving fake traffic tickets. There is an apk file titled ‘Surat Tilang-1.0 apk’ in the chat.
“WARNING! Beware of fraud with this method of sending a ticket through WhatsApp. Do not click / download files with the extension “.apk” from unknown people on your device,” tweeted the account @ MurthaOne1.
4. Check MyTelkomsel
There have also been other scams on WhatsApp called MyTelkomsel. This is an application by the operator Telkomsel.
The victim will be prompted to click on the sent apk file. Next, they will be asked to grant access to a variety of applications, including photos, videos, SMS, and access to digital banking or fintech service accounts.
5. Notice from the Bank
Another scam is making advertisements that appear to come from the bank. There are unreasonable changes in trade and transfer rates.
WhatsApp users will be provided with a link to complete the form. As a result of this connection their data will be stolen by the perpetrators.
6. VCS invitation
Another way is to make a video call (VCS) from unknown numbers. It is said that they blackmail their victims.
In a call some time ago, cyber security expert Alfons Tanujaya said that this method takes advantage of a person’s ignorance of technology and makes it a threat. “This is basically blackmail that takes advantage of someone’s ignorance or insecurity about technology,” he said.
“If in doubt and blackmailed, call a friend who understands and ask for help to deal with threats we don’t understand, don’t just follow the threats,” he explained.
7. Currency account using QR code
Another method that is often used is asking, which is a combination of QR codes and phishing. The perpetrator lures the victim to get their personal information and details.
When scanning a QR Code, the victim is usually taken to a specific site. In addition to being able to show regular text messages, the site can track the list of applications to the victim’s map address.
Perpetrators take advantage of this ability to direct victims to fraudulent websites. They will make it difficult for people to find the sites they want to visit before they open the web.
Wired said criminals trick someone into downloading something to the device. These downloads will harm the victim’s device.
In the next step, victims will be asked to enter some login credentials. The person who made the inquiry will receive this information.
This crime is becoming more and more serious because QR codes can be created easily and by anyone. One can do it even without any special skills.
How to avoid Quishing
However, there are ways to avoid the crime. The main thing is not to trust QR codes that are installed in public places or given to people who do not know where they are from.
You can also identify QR codes with criminal intent. Because fraudsters usually increase the sense of urgency and anxiety of potential victims. For example, by including the statement, “Scan this QR code to verify your identity or prevent your account from being deleted.”
Finally, don’t forget to enable two-factor authentication on all accounts. Also, don’t forget to log out of devices you no longer use.
(mkh/mkh)
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Including fake traffic tickets, here are 7 new methods for WhatsApp fraud
2024-11-24 11:40:00
#careful #latest #WhatsApp #fraud #method #victims
* **Describe a scenario where the “charity donation” scam on WhatsApp could be particularly prevalent and explain why this context makes people more susceptible to falling victim.**
This article details various scams occurring on WhatsApp. Here are some open-ended questions based on the article, categorized for a potential interview:
**I. Understanding the Scams:**
* **Can you explain in your own words how the “Digital Wedding Invitation Letter” scam works? What makes this method particularly deceptive?**
* **The article mentions fake traffic tickets being sent through WhatsApp. What are the potential consequences for someone who falls for this scam?**
* **How does the “MyTelkomsel” scam exploit users’ trust in a legitimate service provider? What red flags should people be aware of?**
* **What are some common characteristics of phishing scams disguised as bank notifications? How can someone verify the legitimacy of such messages?**
* **Video call scams can be particularly intimidating. What advice would you give to someone who receives a threatening video call from an unknown number?**
**II. Vulnerability and Impact:**
* **Why do you think people are more vulnerable to scams on platforms like WhatsApp compared to other forms of communication?**
* **What are the psychological tactics often employed by scammers to manipulate their victims? How can people recognize these tactics?**
* **What are the financial and emotional consequences for people who fall victim to WhatsApp scams?**
**III. Prevention and Protection:**
* **The article mentions QR code scams. How can people safely scan QR codes without putting their personal information at risk?**
* **What are some practical tips for identifying and avoiding suspicious links or attachments sent through WhatsApp?**
* **How important is it to enable two-factor authentication on all accounts? How does it help protect against scams?**
* **Beyond individual precautions, what role can technology companies like WhatsApp play in preventing these scams from happening in the first place?**
**IV. Broader Implications:**
* **How do scams like these reflect evolving trends in cybercrime? What new threats might emerge in the future?**
* **What responsibilities do individuals, organizations, and governments have in combating online fraud?**
* **How can we create a more secure and trustworthy online environment for everyone?**
Remember to frame the questions in a neutral and unbiased way, encouraging open discussion and diverse perspectives.
