The global pandemic has made social media and messaging apps more important than ever. Thanks to them, we rarely get disconnected from one another.
But this also gives many hackers and cybercriminals an opportunity to find their unwitting victims online. One wrong step and you could be the next.
Here’s what you have to look out for.
Common online scams: App updates
There are many different types of online scams on the internet these days. And one of the most rampant ones involves sending a message to you about how your app needs to be updated ASAP.
The message is often sent from an account pretending to be an app representative, mimicking the chat app you’re using. For instance, if you are on Viber, the message can be sent from an account with the username “Viber” and whose profile photo is Viber’s logo.
The message usually compels you to click a link that will redirect you to a website where you can download the app’s latest version.
The website is a near duplicate of the official website of your messaging app. This is one of the ways to reel you in to the scam.
You are asked to enter important account information, such as your complete name, mobile number, email address, and sometimes, even debit or credit card details. Other times, the link has malware embedded onto it that attacks your account and device.
A word of caution: if you encounter a message saying your app needs updating, it’s best to head to your device’s app store (i.e., the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, etc.) and download the update straight from there. Never click any links you receive from unknown senders.
What to do if you clicked the link
First, you need to secure all accounts where you used the credentials you unwittingly gave the scammer. These include social media accounts, banking accounts, email addresses, and the like.
Change the passwords to these accounts immediately. We also recommend using a different password for each account to make it more difficult for hackers to access them.
Second, see if your accounts have been compromised. Check your settings and see if any new devices or apps have been linked to your account. If there are, disconnect them all at once.
Check your bank statements right away to see if anything is amiss. It is also important to practice thoroughly checking your bank statements regularly, if you’re not yet doing it.
Go through your inbox and search for any new messages you have not sent. You can also warn your contacts about any messages that may appear to come from you, especially if the message asks for money.
Your online accounts are more important than you may have realized. A malware can infect one app and compromise all your data. Practice caution whenever you receive any new messages.
For more information on fraud and how to avoid it, be sure to regularly visit the Metrobank fraud page for updates.