The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is aware of various worldwide scams affecting WhatsApp users and is advising local residents to be wary.
These scams usually involve WhatsApp phone calls and messages sent from unknown or compromised WhatsApp contacts that focus on extracting money as well as personal information, including WhatsApp access credentials, from recipients.
Practical BPS Recommendations
- Be suspicious of any WhatsApp calls or messages from users you have not already met face-to-face.
- Ignore requests for personal or financial information.
- Consider taking steps to secure your WhatsApp account through two-step verification and e-mail confirmation.
Official WhatsApp Security Advice
- About suspicious messages and scams – https://faq.whatsapp.com/2286952358121083.
- How to protect yourself from suspicious messages and scams – https://faq.whatsapp.com/573786218075805.
Suspected cyber-crime can be reported through the BPS online community-reporting portal, https://portal.police.bm.
