WhatsApp group chat members are being warned they could inadvertently fall foul of criminals while using the messaging app.

Action Fraud reveals it has received 636 reports from victims of such scams in the first four months this year alone.

The fraud often begins when a member of the group receives an apparently plausible WhatsApp audio call from the fraudster, pretending or claiming to be another member of the group.

It is the first step to gaining the individual’s trust, and often the scammer will use a false profile picture and/or display name, so at first glance appearing to be a genuine member of the group.

The Northern Echo: WhatsApp group chat scam warning

The fraudster will tell the victim they are sending them a one-time passcode which will allow them to join an upcoming video call for group members.

They are then asked to share this passcode with them, so they can be “registered” for the video call.

In reality, the criminal is asking for a code to register the victim’s WhatsApp account to a new device, so they can take over their account.

Once the fraudster has access to the victim’s WhatsApp account, they will enable two-step verification which makes it impossible for the victim to regain access their account.

Other group members, or friends and family in the victim’s contacts, will then be messaged asking them to transfer money urgently as they are in desperate need of help.

The warning has been issued by The City of London Police, which apart from policing the city’s ‘Square Mile’ business district, holds national responsibility for economic crime, with a remit to host Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber-crime reporting service.

Detective Superintendent Gary Miles, who heads the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police, said: “WhatsApp remains an integral mode of communication for many people across the UK, however, fraudsters still find ways to infiltrate these platforms.

“Sadly, anyone can become a target for fraud.

“With more than 630 reports already this year, we are urging users, and, in particular, those in big group chats on WhatsApp, to be on their guard and monitor who joins the chats.

“To keep yourself safe from fraud, never share your account details or any passcode or verification codes with anyone

“If you think you are being targeted, report the message and block the sender within WhatsApp.

“To make your account more secure, we advise setting up two-step verification to provide an extra layer of protection.”

The Northern Echo:

Speaking about the fraud, a WhatsApp spokesperson said: “All personal messages sent on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption, but we can all play a role in keeping our accounts safe.

“We recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security and advise people never to share their six-digit PIN code with others, not even with friends or family.

“If you receive a suspicious message, even if you think you know who it’s from, calling or requesting a voice note is the fastest and simplest way to check that someone is who they say they are.”

According to Action Fraud data, reports suggest the top three most frequently impacted group chat types are Islamic religious groups (63), Christian religious groups (56), and work chats (50)

The step-by-step guide to avoid being a victim is as follows:

  • Set up two-step verification (2SV) to give an extra layer of protection to your account, before tapping Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
  • Think. Call. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person outside of WhatsApp to confirm their identity.
  • Report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.

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For WhatsApp-users living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, it can be reported at www.actionfraud.police.uk, or by calling 0300-123 2040.

In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101.

Further details are available via fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk, to help users avoid falling victim of the scam.