Meta’s owned WhatsApp users started registering to complain about spam texts and calls after the following leaks of over 500M+ active WhatsApp numbers since these numbers are available for everyone to access on a hacker forum.
After this news broke, the record was shared multiple times on well-known dark web forums across the globe, which resulted in a risky threat, and the verified WhatsApp US database with over 32 million records sold for $7000 while the UK database cost $2500.
WhatsApp denies the claims, saying, “The claim written on Cybernews is based on unsubstantiated screenshots. There is no evidence of a ‘data leak’ from WhatsApp.” However, Cybernews said they had contacted the seller and confirmed that they were all from WhatsApp accounts.
Llevo MESES recibiendo este mensaje de que mi numero se intenta poner en otro dispositivo (y si es real porque WhatsApp me alerta también). Pasa fácilmente 2 a 3 veces por semana y asi desde septiembre va, si tengo la 2FA y nunca ha pasado nada con mis datos (a priori) pero… pic.twitter.com/jfAx6mA6ii
— Santiago Rojas (@Santiagroj5) November 26, 2022
Not to mention, such things could potentially lead to cybercrime. Today, we will be sharing how you can avoid these scams and how to secure WhatsApp.
How to Protect your WhatsApp Account and Avoid Spam
Spam campaigns usually begin by asking you to share malicious links or to call them. During the holidays or the shopping season, they might try to spoof popular brands like Amazon. Scammers might attempt to lure a victim into account takeovers, cryptocurrency scams, or take credit card details.
Cybercriminals try to extract as much information about the victim as possible. Where they could pretend to be your friend, doctor, or anyone they wanted, so don’t share your personal information with anyone.
Sometimes, due to security flaws, data like emails, Phone Numbers can get leaked. So here is useful information that won’t be useful to threat actors.
- Only use Genuine WhatsApp, Don’t use Mod like GB, Gold or etc.
- Don’t reply to or answer unknown text messages or calls.
- If you believe they may be a threat, simply block them.
- Enable 2FA on your WhatsApp (Navigate to: WhatsApp Settings > Account > Turn 2FA enabled > Follow the on-screen instructions)
- Limit your public information to a small group of people; enable Contact Only in WhatsApp Privacy Settings. (Navigate to WhatsApp Settings > Privacy > Choose who can see your Profile Picture, About, and other details.)
- Block or report someone who sends a WhatsApp support message: most low-tech scammers offer you customer service by redirecting WhatsApp users to an expert. They usually try to obtain credit card information or hack accounts by luring money through UPI.
- Be wary of instant and fast-paced conversations; most scammers try to do everything in a fast-paced manner. So that you don’t have time to wonder if it is a scam?
- If your account has been hacked, contact WhatsApp Official Support Here.
