WhatsApp is collaborating with National Trading Standards to enhance awareness of digital scams and promote online safety. This initiative extends a campaign initially launched in 2021.
According to new data from Citizens Advice, there has been at least one report of a phone scam daily in 2024. A report from National Trading Standards indicates that one in five adults (20%) believe they are likely to fall victim to a scam within the next five years, underscoring the need for increased public vigilance against scammers.
Despite a decline in phone scam reports to Citizens Advice over the past year, National Trading Standards cautions that this may be due to underreporting.
Both organizations urge individuals to remain vigilant and report suspected scams, as criminals continually refine their methods to deceive people into relinquishing money or personal information. Staying informed and alert is essential.
WhatsApp offers several in-app security features to protect users. To stay ahead of criminals, users are advised to:
- Enable two-step verification
- Never share their six-digit code
- Use Privacy Checkup to ensure security settings are up-to-date
Louise Baxter, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team and Friends Against Scams, stated: “Criminals are masters of manipulation, constantly adapting their tactics to exploit our goodwill and desire to help friends and family members in need. These criminals will impersonate loved ones or contact you from an unknown number claiming to be a friend or family member who has lost their phone and been ‘locked out’ of their account. Often, they use emotional manipulation... But here’s the truth: you hold the power... Stay vigilant... never feel pressured.”
Helen Charles, Policy Director at WhatsApp said: “We want to make WhatsApp the safest and most secure place for online communication... We urge all WhatsApp users...”
Additionally, WhatsApp has partnered with "Scambassadors" David Larbi and Holly Morris for social media outreach.
National Trading Standards advises those concerned about being targeted by scams to report it via Action Fraud at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. For advice on scams, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline at 0808 223 1133 or use their online tool at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/reporting-a-scam/.
For more information on staying safe on WhatsApp, visit their Help Center.
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