Recently, the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (CERT) released an urgent notification to the public regarding a rampant wave of phishing attacks being deployed via SMS, fraudulent WhatsApp messages, and scam calls. These criminals impersonate bank employees, government officials, or reputable corporations to garner trust and to purloin sensitive and financial information. This latest whatsapp scam alert has raised serious concern across the country.
Recently, CERT noted an unprecedented leap in deceptive techniques employed by these criminals. They create fraudulent messages containing bank logos and other branding elements and even counterfeit helpline numbers and send these messages by the hundreds. They include messages with highly urgent and alarming phrases such as “We are about to block your bank account” or “You’ve won a large cash prize.” If the target calls or responds, they can lose bank account credentials, CNIC, and other OTP codes within seconds of interaction. Authorities continue to emphasize that the whatsapp scam alert is not limited to one region but affects users nationwide.
These fraudulent WhatsApp messages and calls are a part of a more expansive and elaborate online scam network. Phishing messages are sent under the guise of reputable banks or digital wallet managers and offer cash rewards or provide messages that alert potential targets of a ‘problem’ with their account. The whatsapp scam alert has urged citizens to think twice before engaging with any such messages.
The messages frequently contain harmful links that route users to phishing sites, which are created to resemble the legitimate ones. When a user logs in, their credentials are captured in real time. In some cases, scams have included phone calls in which impostors persuade their targets to disclose one-time passwords and ATM personal identification numbers and PINs under the guise of “identity verification.”
Nationwide, and especially from users who received dubious links on WhatsApp or SMS, CERT’s report details that hundreds of phishing crime complaints have been filed so far — proving the importance of paying attention to every whatsapp scam alert that surfaces online.
The National CERT has released a set of many recommendations affording to the public vigilance and the avoidance of replying to any uninvited messages irrespective of the context. Their statements of recommendations have the following to remember:
- Do not click on any unrecognized or uninvited messages on WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
- Especially avoid disclosing any of your personal information, especially CNIC, bank account numbers, and one-time passwords (OTPs).
- Never conduct or make any banking transactions on sites or apps which you have not verified.
- Always turn on the two-factor authentication (2FA) on all of your accounts, including email and social media.
- Report phishing attempts on WhatsApp and block the number immediately.
Phishing attempts seek to attract victims and harvest sensitive information. These messages scam users by promising fake lotteries, rewards, and money and seek to acquire personal and banking information. The whatsapp scam alert by CERT serves as a timely reminder for digital caution.
If you have already clicked on a doubtful link or have disclosed some of your personal information, what you should do right now is report and take the following precautions as CERT suggests:
- Change every password.
- Contact your bank to prevent unauthorized access.
- Report the incident to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) or local cybercrime branches.
- Block the number that sent you the fake WhatsApp message.
Taking quick action could help protect your sensitive information and your bank account. The whatsapp scam alert campaign highlights the need for immediate response after any suspected compromise.
You should always put the Two-Step Verification (2SV) on every account you have right now. It is also very important and mandatory according to CERT. Even if someone gets access to your account password, this step guarantees that a second confirmation is needed before the access has been granted. Most of the time, a user will receive a code on their phone to provide the extra confirmation.
WhatsApp users should enable 2SV as an extra safety step to protect their account and conversations from hackers. This measure is one of the top defenses shared in the whatsapp scam alert.
To tackle the increased network security and privacy threats, the “Stay Safe from Phishing – Protect Your Information” Campaign was initiated. It motivates everyone to view and promote official awareness videos, especially to friends and family who may need assistance with more advanced technology.
We have contributed to the understanding of WhatsApp messages, scam calls, and phishing scam links to the community. We inform the community about the need to verify hyperlinks, the risks of using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, the importance of having current antivirus software, and the need to practice reliable safe habits. Safe habits significantly minimize risk, as emphasized repeatedly in the whatsapp scam alert initiative.
The statement from CERT clarifies that all formal institutions such as banks and other organizations (government or private) will never ask for sensitive information such as PINs, Passwords, and OTPs.
Messages that ask for sensitive banking details are definitely, without a doubt, frauds. Be it a message from a bank — responding to it is the first step toward being scammed. Panic and reckless behavior are common tricks of social engineering, and this core principle lies at the heart of every whatsapp scam alert.
In Pakistan, the rate of spam and cyber fraud has increased in the past few years. Online banking, mobile wallets, and other digital services have become widely available, giving scammers more opportunities to exploit unsuspecting users.
Understanding scams and teaching safeguard techniques is the best way to prevent mobile and WhatsApp phishing scams. An educated consumer is less likely to become a victim. CERT’s spokesperson emphasizes the importance of vigilance: “Every citizen should think before they click, verify before they share. Safe and responsible clicking is the civic duty of every citizen.” This statement aligns with the main purpose of every whatsapp scam alert — to create awareness before it’s too late.
In the age of the internet, every individual bears the weight of protecting cyberspace. Remember to always verify suspicious messages and keep your personal information confidential. Remind family members, especially younger and older ones, about the potential dangers of online scams in today’s age.
Scammers only succeed when people fall for their traps, so be alert, be informed, and never share your personal information with anyone on the internet. If you get a fake WhatsApp message or a suspicious call from the bank, the bottom line is to ignore, block, and report the number. Your bank balance, data, and privacy depend on following this whatsapp scam alert responsibly.
