Scam Alert: PTA warns of fraudulent message sent with WhatsApp logo

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued a public alert over the latest spate of fake WhatsApp messages that improperly utilize the official logo of the app to trick users.

The PTA says the bogus messages, transmitted through local and international numbers, have suspicious links and mischievous instructions asking users to shut down their WhatsApp accounts or authenticate their identities through unofficial means.

Some of these messages request users to click on links that compromise their data or result in account hacking.

“These messages are not from WhatsApp,” the PTA explained, stressing the point that the service does not send messages asking for this. The Authority has affirmed that such messages go against WhatsApp’s policies and are strong digital security threats.

PTA has appealed to people not to click on any suspicious links. It suggests that one must block any suspicious or unknown numbers sending such a message immediately. For added account security, the PTA also suggests turning on two-step verification from within the WhatsApp application.

“The public needs to be careful to protect themselves against data theft and online fraud,” PTA said. The authority has also issued a set of guidelines on how to report suspicious messages and urges users to visit the WhatsApp Help Center for reliable information.

How to Check

To safeguard your online security, block these kinds of contacts immediately and report them to WhatsApp by following the steps laid down below:

For Android: https://faq.whatsapp.com/1142481766359885/?cms_platform-android&helpref-platform_switcher

For Apple: https://faq.whatsapp.com/1142481766359885/?cms_platform=iphone&helpref-platform_switcher