1. WhatsApp Scams
WhatsApp scams involve cyber-criminals hijacking someone's account and using it to send messages to contacts in victim’s address books for criminal purposes.
Potential Risks
- Identity Theft: Scammers can potentially steal your personal information and use it for malicious purposes.
- Financial Loss: Scammers may deceive victims into making payments or investments, leading to financial loss.
- Phishing and Ransomware Attacks: Forged messages appear trustworthy, tricking you into clicking malicious links or downloading attachments containing malware.
Preventive Measures
- Enable WhatsApp’s two-step verification.
- Do not share the WhatsApp verification PIN with anyone.
- Avoid downloading and using the WhatsApp application from unsolicited or untrusted sources.
2. Online Investment Fraud
Fraudsters use social media, forums, and instant messaging to promote investments that promise high returns with low risk, often involving non-existent plans or traps.
Potential Risks
- Unregulated Platforms: Investing through unregulated platforms carries risks due to limited transparency, inadequate investor protection, and a lack of regulatory recourse.
- Fake Investment Opportunities: Fraudsters employs misleading strategies, like fake guarantees to lure unsuspecting individuals into their schemes.
- Phishing and Identity Theft: Fraudsters use phishing techniques to deceive you into revealing personal and financial information, leading to identity theft or unauthorized access.
Preventive Measures
- Invest through reputable and secure online platforms.
- Consult qualified financial advisors before making significant investment decisions.
- Avoid sharing sensitive personal information with unverified sources.
3. Online Shopping Scams
Online shopping scams involve fraudulent websites or sellers who deceive you with counterfeit products, non-delivery, or theft of payment information.
Potential Risks
- False Advertising: Scammers attract you with misleading information, leading to financial loss when the received product doesn't match the description.
- Unsecured Websites: Insecure sites can expose your personal and financial information to hackers.
- Fake Online Stores: Scammers create imitation websites that resembling legitimate stores, offering attractive deals on products to lure you into their scam.
Preventive Measures
- Shop from reputable and well-known online retailers.
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages that promise offers or discounts.
- Be aware of websites with spelling errors, or suspicious URLs or blurred logos.
If you require further information, please contact the IT HelpCentre (Tel: 2766 5900, WhatsApp/ WeChat: 6577 9669) or reach out to us via the IT Online ServiceDesk.
