When communicating in popular messengers like Telegram and WhatsApp, it is crucial to pay attention to unusual behavior from your contacts. Evgeny Yanov, Head of Audit and Consulting at F6 company, shared these and other important tips for protecting against scammers.
Yanov emphasized that unusual requests from acquaintances or colleagues, as well as an uncharacteristic manner of communication, should raise suspicions. For instance, if someone you usually address informally suddenly starts using formal language, it`s a reason to be wary.
Furthermore, be vigilant if a participant in a group chat (corporate, family, or school) begins mass-sending messages requesting financial help, offering quick money schemes, suspicious links or files, or urging you to vote in contests. Criminals can use both hacked and fake accounts.
Always question messages that demand you perform any action, or request personal data or account information. Under no circumstances should you share your full name, passport details, or bank card numbers with anyone. Never agree to switch to other messengers or external websites to continue a conversation or perform any tasks.
Yanov strongly recommends always enabling two-factor authentication in messaging apps. In Telegram, this is activated in privacy settings, while in WhatsApp, it`s called “Passkeys” and found under the “Account” section. The expert also reminded users that they can set an additional password to enter the app: “Passcode” in Telegram and “Two-step verification” in WhatsApp.
Finally, it`s worth noting a recent warning about a new scam scheme where fraudsters call Russian citizens, posing as marketplace employees, and inform them about a supposed delivery placed in their name.
