At OxCyber, we’re concerned about the growing accessibility of tools that allow anyone to create lifelike fake WhatsApp conversations. With just a few clicks, you can generate a fabricated chat complete with profile photos and timestamps. What might seem like a harmless prank can quickly turn into a serious threat.
Why This Worries Us
- Phishing from Trusted Contacts: Fake chats appearing to be from friends can trick you into revealing personal information or authorising payments.
- Reputational Damage: A fabricated exchange can suggest offensive remarks, leading to misunderstandings or conflict.
- Extortion and Blackmail: Scammers may threaten to expose false conversations unless paid, exploiting fear and embarrassment.
Our Advice to Stay Safe
We believe the best defence is a healthy dose of scepticism. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Verify through another channel: If a message feels off, especially one involving money or sensitive information, confirm through a call, voice note, or in person.
- Adjust privacy settings: Limit visibility of your profile photo, status, and last-seen timestamp to “My Contacts” or “Nobody.”
- Question screenshots: Images can be easily edited, so always question their authenticity.
- Enable two-step verification: This adds an extra layer of protection to your WhatsApp account to prevent unauthorised access.
- Join our workshops: Stay informed with real-world scam examples and detection tips shared in our community sessions.
Digital deception thrives on haste and assumed trust. Take the time to verify before trusting—your vigilance can help protect you and others.