Fraudsters in messengers: how to protect your loved ones
Modern messengers have become not only a means of communication but also a popular platform for online fraudsters. They use WhatsApp, Telegram and other applications to gain an access to accounts, extort money or personal information under false pretences.
Most often, criminals disguise themselves as employees of banks, government agencies, relatives and acquaintances. Attackers send phishing links, offer “profitable” part-time jobs for watching videos, send malicious files and create fake chats to extort confidential data.
Schoolchildren, students and the elderly are most at risk. That is why it is important to be vigilant and warn your loved ones about the risks.
What is important to know?
- never send money as a “deposit” for part-time jobs, goods or services on the Internet;
- do not follow suspicious links, even if they came from a "friend" because his account could have been hacked;
- check the list of devices connected to the messenger, and regularly log out of unnecessary sessions, as well as from your accounts on third-party devices, for example, in an Internet cafe;
- use two-factor authentication and complex passwords;
- do not share codes from SMS and passwords with strangers, even if they introduce themselves as employees of a bank or government agency;
- explain to your relatives, especially the elderly, that representatives of government agencies will not call via messenger asking to transfer money or "confirm identity", and do not give any instructions and do not require them to be followed.
If you or your loved ones have nevertheless become a victim of intruders, immediately contact the police. Timely response can stop the fraudsters and save your money.
External Communications Directorate