2024-02-16 20:17:27
Discover some of the main virtual scams to watch out for in 2024
A study carried out by a group of companies showed that Brazil is the second country with the most digital crimes in Latin America, behind only Mexico in virtual scams. From January to September 2023, for example, more than 80 thousand Brazilians were victims of online scams, according to the survey. The statistics are worrying and raise a warning for the new year that is regarding to begin.
Cloning of WhatsApp and cards are some examples of common practices in virtual scams; Learn how to identify scams and protect yourself
Therefore, Netfive, an IT company specialized in information security, selected four main virtual scams to be aware of in 2024. The company also listed some tips on how to protect yourself from these frauds and not become a victim of them. Check out:
WhatsApp cloning
This scam aims to obtain the victim’s contact details, allowing extortion by posing as the true owner of the number. The process begins with the criminal acquiring the victim’s phone number. Later, the fraudster tries to activate WhatsApp on their own device.
To carry out this procedure, the scammer contacts the user, pretending to be a representative of an advertising platform or well-known companies. They use the pretext of needing to activate an ad or confirm registration details.
The scammer then requests a 6-digit code, sent via SMS to the victim. This code grants access to the user’s WhatsApp. With control of the account, the criminal pretends to be the victim, asking for money from contacts who, believing they are helping the friend or relative, end up transferring amounts to the criminal’s bank account, becoming victims themselves.
Fake sites
Criminals create fake websites to sell goods, mainly electronics and household appliances, using addresses similar to those of famous companies. They only change the end of the email address or change some letters to reduce suspicion.
The site’s appearance is identical or very similar to well-known sites, increasing the chances of deceiving the victim. This type of scam tends to increase during festive and promotional periods, such as Black Friday, for example. When making the purchase, the victim thinks they are purchasing a product or service from a serious company, when, in fact, it is a fraud in which the value is transferred to criminals.
Cloned credit cards
The scammer contacts the victim, presenting himself as an employee of a bank or credit card company, inducing the victim to provide personal information. He usually informs the victim regarding a suspicious transaction and asks for confirmation. When the victim denies the transactions and requests cancellation, the “employee” suggests possible cloning, leading the victim to call the company’s customer service.
The scammer, however, remains on the line and does not end the call. Instead, a recorded message, appearing to be from the bank, is played. Believing they are speaking to a legitimate representative, the victim provides personal and credit card information, including a password and verification code (the three security digits on the back). With this information, criminals use the victim’s card to make unauthorized purchases.
False seizure
In this type of crime, the scammer, usually already arrested, randomly calls someone, claiming to have kidnapped a relative, scaring them and demanding a ransom. Using a simulated crying and fearful voice, the criminal calls the mother or father, saying that the kidnapping has occurred. Frightened, the person answering the call usually mentions the name of a child, nephew or someone close to them, without even realizing it. When this happens, the victim himself begins to provide information that helps the criminal to complete the scam.
With this data, the scammer makes people believe more and more that it is a real kidnapping. From there, he keeps the victim on the line and asks for bank transfers to someone’s account.
How to protect yourself
“As technology advances, the methods used by cybercriminals also evolve, making education and awareness essential in combating online scams,” says Henrique Schneider, CEO of Netfive.
For the specialist, staying informed, being cautious and not acting impulsively are some of the main ways to avoid becoming a victim of scammers, but there are also other guidelines, namely:
• Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp, located in the “Account” menu and under “Two-Step Verification.”
• Avoid sharing codes received via SMS. If you have provided the code to the scammers, send an email to the platform requesting temporary deactivation of the account.
• Be wary of messages from contacts asking you to send money and check their veracity directly with the person who asked, via phone call or in person.
• Carefully examine the email address when making online purchases.
• Make payments only following confirming directly with the person, even if it is a known profile, for example.
• Observe security seals and certificates on the website and research the company’s reputation on social media.
• Be wary of offers with prices well below the market and websites that only accept payment by bank slip or transfer.
• Financial institutions do not collect cards from customers. Always cut the chip when discarding the card.
• Banks also do not request sensitive information over the phone; do not provide data.
• If you suspect cloning or unauthorized purchases, contact your bank branch directly or contact your account manager.
• Remain calm and do not mention real names to avoid providing useful information to criminals.
• Do not disclose personal or family information such as address, financial earnings or bank details.
• Ask someone nearby to check on the alleged victim’s condition.
• Hang up the phone as soon as you confirm your family member is safe, as criminals are unlikely to call once more.
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