YOU probably already know to watch for scams in your email inbox or arriving via text messages.
However, if you are on Facebook, look out for new scams using Messenger.
You receive a message which looks like it comes from a friend or relative.
In some cases, scammers have hacked into your friend’s Facebook account. In other versions, the scammer creates a separate lookalike account by stealing your friend’s photos or their name.
Either way, scammers are banking that you will trust a message that appears to come from someone you know.
Online fraud alert with malicious messaging via WhatsApp on the rise
They will then come up with an urgent need for you to send money to them, or let you know about a supposed free government grant that just needs you to pay an application fee.
So, protect yourself.
Never assume that just because a message has come from one of your contacts, it is 100% genuine.
Look out for unusual language in the message – is it the right tone for that person?
Remember, don’t click on any suspicious links.
If you do, you run the risk of having your details stolen or your device infected with malware.
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