'If the user is included in groups with lots of people, it is advisable to set up a privacy configuration that keeps any sensitive data hidden,' he says. He recommends turning off the “last seen” function on the app and ensuring that your profile picture isn't visible to anyone outside your private network. Our journalists cover all the news you need - from City Hall to your local streets, so you'll never miss a moment.ĭon't skip a beat and sign up to The 12 newsletter here. The MyLondon team tells London stories for Londoners. You'll get 12 stories straight to your inbox at around 12pm. MyLondon's brilliant newsletter The 12 is absolutely jam packed with all the latest to keep you keep you entertained, informed and uplifted. Mr Bestuzhev says the best way to prevent scammers from being able to exploit their access to your account is to limit the amount of information they have to work with.ĭo you want to stay up to date with the latest news, views, features and opinion from across the city? WhatsApp offers two-step verification which involves being sent a 6-digit code via email or text. There are ways to avoid falling victim to the scam. 'Many people share very sensitive information, and in a very short space of time the victim has lost control of their accounts,' he added. The best thing to do is to not share delicate information.' He said: 'It is important to understand that WhatsApp is not a secure platform, although many people think it is. The app, run by Meta (formerly known as Facebook) offers end to end encryption of messages, a feature that makes the platform seemingly secure.ĭmitry Bestuzhev, a director of research and analysis at cybersecurity company Kaspersky, told Spanish paper El Pais that despite the app's reputation as a secure communication platform, it is weak to these kinds of scams. READ MORE: Hackney man's dream comes true after stranger knocks on his door to give him a £115,000 Range Rover This can leave those who have shared private information over the app, including bank details and passwords vulnerable to having this information stolen. The so-called ‘SIM-swapping scam’ allows scammers to clone your number onto a new SIM card allowing them access to your WhatsApp account. Millions of WhatsApp users' data is at risk due to a scam that can allow people access to private messages and info.

Is whatsapp safe to send bank details