Technology has both advantages and disadvantages. In recent days, the number of spam calls and messages has increased on WhatsApp. Many people across the country have fallen for these scams and many have lost lakhs of rupees.
Recently, a Chandigarh man lost lakhs of rupees after he clicked an unknown link received on WhatsApp. When he clicked on the link, the scammer hacked his phone and stole around Rs. 17 lakh from his account.
While WhatsApp is taking the necessary steps to curb spam and fraud on its platform, it is also important for users to ensure their safety. Here are simple and important tips to keep yourself safe on WhatsApp.
1) Turn on the two-step verification
You can improve your WhatsApp account’s security using the two-step verification feature. This feature will ask you to enter a six-digit PIN when you reset or verify your account, giving you an added layer of protection against scammers attempting to take over your account through phishing attacks.
2) Block and report suspicious accounts
If you receive a message from an unknown sender asking for unusual information or making strange requests, contact the organisation or person directly for clarification. Don’t share personal information or send money. Use the blocking and reporting feature on WhatsApp to stop scams. Avoid answering unknown phone numbers and block and report any suspicious accounts.
3) Adjust group privacy settings
With WhatsApp’s privacy settings and group invite system, you can control who can add you to groups. If you come across a questionable group chat, you can leave the group and report it.
4) Change privacy settings to control who sees your details
You can manage your personal information like your profile photo and online status. Choose who can see it – everyone, select contacts, or no one. Keep your online presence private by limiting who can see when you’re online. Only share personal details with trusted contacts for added protection.
5) Regularly check devices linked to your WhatsApp account
Always keep a check on the list of linked devices. If you come across any unfamiliar devices, quickly log out. If you suspect someone is accessing your account through WhatsApp Web/Desktop, log out from all computers using your phone.
6) Never click on unknown links received on WhatsApp
Beware of scammers who use fake phishing links. If you receive a suspicious text or request, take a moment to think before responding. Consider if the request is unusual, and avoid clicking on any unverified links. Any offer that looks too good to be true is never true.
7) Please do not share your personal information with anyone
As we use the internet daily for various transactions, it’s important to safeguard our personal information and privacy. To do so, it’s best to avoid sharing sensitive details like your address, phone number, passwords, credit/debit card numbers, and bank account information.