WhatsApp scams posing as police officials have been on the rise in Cyprus, with scammers making video calls and requesting personal and financial information. The Cyprus police have issued a warning, advising people to be cautious, not share any sensitive data, and contact their bank immediately if they have fallen victim to such a scam.
What should you do if you receive a WhatsApp call posing as police asking for personal information?
If you receive a WhatsApp call from someone claiming to be the police and asking for personal information:
- Do not share any personal or financial information.
- Do not click on any links provided.
- Keep two-factor authentication codes private.
- Contact your bank immediately if you’ve shared banking details.
- Verify the caller’s identity through official channels.
An Emerging Threat: Impersonation Scams via WhatsApp
In a recent development that’s causing concern, the police force of Cyprus has identified a new wave of telephone scams that are being carried out through WhatsApp. Perpetrators are taking advantage of the popular communication app to pose as police officers with the intention of deceiving individuals.
The Scamming Method
The method employed by the scammers involves making video calls to their targets through WhatsApp. During these calls, they assert that they are representatives of the Cypriot police. With convincing authority, they proceed to request personal and financial information from the victims. This typically includes sensitive data such as identification and credit card numbers.
Police Statement and Public Advisory
The Cyprus police have firmly stated that these calls are not made by their department. They are scams and should be treated with the highest level of suspicion. The advisory released to the public is clear: be extremely cautious, do not entertain such calls, and certainly do not follow any instructions given by the callers.
Preventive Measures and Actions
In their statement, the police have also offered preventive advice. They recommend not clicking on any links that might be sent over by these fraudsters. Additionally, if anyone receives a code on their mobile device, it shouldn’t be shared with anyone.
In cases where two-factor authentication is involved, typically via SMS, the police have emphasized the importance of keeping those security codes private, as they are a means to confirm a user’s identity.
Immediate Response to Compromised Bank Details
The police have also provided guidance on the immediate steps to take if someone has inadvertently shared their banking information during such a scam call. Individuals should contact their bank without delay to prevent any unauthorized and potentially fraudulent activity with their accounts.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
It is important for everyone to stay informed and exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited calls asking for personal information. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their approaches, often using fear and urgency to coerce victims into compliance. However, by being aware and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling prey to these scams.
Always verify the identity of the person you’re speaking to, especially if they’re asking for information that can be used to access your financial accounts. Remember, legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive details without proper context and security protocols in place.
If you’re ever in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of caution and end the communication. You can always reach out directly to the institution or individual through a verified contact method to ensure you’re speaking to the right person.
Quick Recap:
- WhatsApp scams posing as police officials have been on the rise in Cyprus.
- Scammers make video calls and request personal and financial information.
- Cyprus police advise people to be cautious, not share sensitive data, and contact their bank if they’ve fallen victim.
- The scammers impersonate Cypriot police officers.
- The police recommend not clicking on any links, keeping two-factor authentication codes private, and contacting the bank if banking details have been shared.
