Latest Scam Alerts

Beware of Phishing SMS Message Purportedly from WhatsApp
2024-01-17



Defrauding Tricks

Recently, scammers purporting to be WhatsApp randomly sent phishing SMS messages to members of the public, falsely claiming that their accounts were involved in fraudulent registration and account trading activities and luring the recipients to click on the unknown hyperlink embedded. The hyperlink, which resembled the URL of “WhatsApp”, attempted to trick the recipients into logging on to a fraudulent website in order to obtain verification codes. The scammers then logged on to the recipients’ WhatsApp accounts with another device and requested the WhatsApp terminal to issue a six-digit “registration code” to the users. If the users disclose the “registration code” to the scammers, the scammers can then hijack their accounts, impersonate them and ask their relatives and friends to buy virtual point cards or transfer money.

 

Our Advice

  • Do not log on to any suspicious websites or download any attachments by hastily clicking on hyperlinks embedded in emails, SMS messages or web pages;

  • Do not input your personal information, credit card details, 3-digit security codes and one-time passwords into unknown applications or websites;

  • Enter the suspicious URL on “Scameter” or “Scameter+”, the mobile application of “Scameter”, for security check in addition to seeking verification from relevant organisations;

  • If your WhatsApp account is hijacked, please refer to the following web page: https://faq.whatsapp.com/1131652977717250/?helpref=hc_fnav

  • Remind your relatives and friends to stay vigilant against deception;

  • If in doubt, please call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for enquiries.