Offaly Minister warns about social media 'phishing' scams
Offaly Senator Pippa Hackett has issued a note of caution to her constituents and followers on social media this week about the potential to be targeted by social media 'phishing' scams.
Public representatives were issued a warning about “a significant increase in the number of WhatsApp account takeover scams in operation and active at present”.
This type of scam involves hacker who would try to get users to send on a six-digit verification code, which then locks users out of their account.
Hackers can then use the account for fraudulent purposes or to look for payment in order to release the account.
Minister Hackett stated: “This week all Oireachtas members were given a warning about an increase in the number of WhatsApp related phishing scams, and it's incredible how sophisticated and commonplace they've become. Using two-factor authentication is vital, as is continuous vigilance - stay safe everyone!”
Two-factor authentication is accessible in the WhatsApp application by clicking on the three dots in the top right corner of your phone and proceeding into ‘settings’ and ‘account’.
It involves a six-digit code that should be known only to the user, and email confirmation to ensure that no other device can install and use that person’s account without getting access to that email.
Minister Hackett said: “We’ve moved on a long way from the era of emails claiming to be from foreign princes who need help getting large sums of money out of their home country. Modern cybercriminals have become exceptionally sophisticated, and it’s easy to see how even the most savvy of people could get taken in.”
She continued, adding that she recommends for everyone to stay vigilant when receiving unprompted codes.
She said: “We don’t use Whatsapp for any official communication, but it still would be a nightmare if something were to happen to my own account. I would advise anyone to stay vigilant, and put in the extra safeguard to make sure that you don’t get caught out”.