Warning to South Africans who use WhatsApp video calls
Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has introduced a host of new safety features ot prevent scams, including those on WhatsApp video calls.
Since the start of the year, Meta has detected and disrupted close to 8 million accounts associated with criminal scam centres.
These criminals target a variety of people via messaging, dating apps, social media, crypto and other apps.
“The fight against scams is a relentless one, and we are continually evolving our defences to stay ahead of bad actors,” said Kojo Boakye, Vice President of Public Policy, Africa, Middle East and Türkiye at Meta.
‘This is part of our unwavering commitment to protect our users, not just by banning malicious accounts, but by empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to recognise and avoid these sophisticated threats.”
Meta itself has introduced a host of anti-scam tools across its services, including WhatsApp,
One safety tool is a literal warning on WhatsApp when users attempt to share their screen with an unknown contact during a video call.
This tool provides users with more context to identify and avoid scams. The tool helps to prevent sharing personal information with contacts.
Additionally, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger have made it safer to sign in with the same fingerprint, face, or PIN when using your mobile device to verify your identity.
WhatsApp also has a Privacy Checkup system, which helps South Africans review their security settings and get recommendations on security actions, such as updating their passwords.
Big warnings for WhatsApp
The warnings from Meta itself follow warnings from cybersecurity experts, who have highlighted the risks that users of WhatsApp face.
Cybersecurity expert Lucas Molefe warned that criminals are using impersonation tactics, posing as friends, family members, or colleagues to deceive victims into handing over money or sensitive information.
Molefe stated that a growing wave of scams is targeting WhatsApp users, including SIM swaps.
“First of all, they typically focus on SIM swaps, which steal the actual number, and this is usually done through phishing attempts,” Molefe said.
“Another way is through your linked accounts, because WhatsApp is connected to Instagram and Facebook, scammers can gather information like your birthday or family connections to make their impersonation more convincing.”
Molefe said the most common and dangerous method remains SIM swaps, where criminals trick victims into sharing their one-time passwords.
Scammers can then access WhatsApp accounts, bank profiles, and other digital identities.
These scams will also begin with fraudsters pretending to be someone of trust, where they claim to have a new number, clone or spoof an existing number or use stolen profile pics.
They will then use urgent stories to make the victim act immediately by increasing this pressure.
“Sometimes they impersonate someone you know or someone you trust. This happens a lot in NPOs and NGOs, and even in businesses,” said Molefe.
“They impersonate a colleague and say, ‘Hey, I just want to check, do you see a WhatsApp OTP that just appeared? Can you give it to me quickly? I need it urgently.’ You’re going to give it because it comes with urgency.”
These scams are highly effective, as you feel inclined to trust people that you know personally and act immediately.
“Because you know me, it’s easier to communicate with me and provide assistance. And that’s what scammers exploit: urgency and trust,” said Molefe.
Criminals also use social media to make their impersonations even more convincing, utilising details such as birthdays, family connections, and other personal information to establish credibility.
A common WhatsApp takeover is often preceded by someone pretending to be a bank or service provider who asks for the OTP or clicks on suspicious links.
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