Regional Security System issues urgent scam alert across region

The Regional Security System (RSS) on Friday sounded the alarm about a spike in scams targeting users of popular messaging app WhatsApp across the Caribbean, urging them to safeguard accounts and avoid falling victim to cybercriminals exploiting the platform.

Over the past few weeks, unsuspecting victims have received WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers, or numbers purporting to be a WhatsApp support representative, requesting a code received via SMS be sent to the contacting number. Users are made to believe that the code is required to verify their WhatsApp account. Once this is done, the hackers gain access and control of the victim’s account.

Experts at the Barbados-based RSS explained that the hackers use the target’s number to send messages to persons in their contact list, requesting money to be sent via a money remittance system. They claim to be stranded overseas and in need of funds to pay for a hotel or to buy an airline ticket. Furthermore, the offenders have also been sending links or codes to these contacts as a means of soliciting more victims.

A statement issued by the RSS Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) said the alarming trend, which has emerged across the region, has not gone unnoticed by its officials who are working diligently to ensure that member states’ citizens do not fall victim to the emerging scam.

The unit set out the steps which users can take to significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to criminals.

It urged users to follow the recommended steps to verify requests, protect personal information, be cautious with verification codes, report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement agencies, and enable two-factor authentication on WhatsApp.

Members of the public were also urged to keep abreast of this trend and cooperate with authorities to combat the issue and prevent these malicious activities from causing further harm, according to the statement. (BT)