All 2 MILLION WhatsApp users warned of a simple mistake that could get your account hacked

WHATSAPP users have been alerted to a growing identity theft scam tricking people into taking their money.

The so-called SIM swapping is a well-known technique used by scammers in which they copy a phone number by assigning it to a new SIM card.

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This means they can then get hold of any sensitive banking details or passwords using your phone number to appear as if it were you.

Worryingly, all the attacker needs is your phone number to pull it out.

Experts have warned that these types of tactics are on the rise.

In the last year, there has been an increase of about 120% in the number of accounts stolen, as well as in the number of phishing and ransomware attacks on popular apps like WhatsApp, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.

Expert Dmitry Bestuzhev said: “All the criminals need is our phone number to set up the process of identity theft and extortion. El Pais.

“Many people share very sensitive information, and in a very short amount of time, victims have lost control of their accounts.”

When an attack occurs, it often causes the victim’s services to temporarily stop for a few short minutes.

But this is plenty of time for the bad guys to get what they need.

Then there is the threat of social engineering.

This is where scammers use voice bots to make bogus calls as if they were coming from companies you use and try to convince you to reveal your password.

“Even family members of security professionals have fallen victim to this crime,” Bestuzhev warned.

To avoid detection, everyone should set up two-factor authentication.

Users are also advised not to click on links in large groups to websites with a sly appearance.

But above all, Bestuzhev says people shouldn’t share sensitive information via messaging apps, because it’s too risky.

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In other news, personalized smart gun, which can only be activated by verified users, may eventually be made available to US consumers this year.

Tech giant Microsoft is trying to make the world more awake by launching a “Comprehensiveness” testing tool in its Word software.

And a federation Anti-trust case for Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, was launched first.

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