Beware! Secret WhatsApp login, passwords being stolen through fake Facebook, Instagram sites

WhatsApp login, passwords are being stolen. Users must stop doing this thing that puts them in danger via fake Facebook, Instagram sites.

By: HIMANI JHA
| Updated on: Aug 21 2022, 22:46 IST
WhatsApp users must not share their login, passwords, email IDs on fake Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp websites.
WhatsApp users must not share their login, passwords, email IDs on fake Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp websites. (Reuters)

Cybercriminals are harvesting WhatsApp login, passwords of users indiscriminately. And now, WhatsApp users have been warned not to share their personal log in details, passwords and even email ID to phishing websites impersonating login pages of WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Facebook Messenger. WhatsApp users should know that they can be duped easily as these phishing websites look exactly like WhatsApp official website. Meta has warned users of Cybercriminals trying to gain access to their WhatsApp accounts. All users should be aware of this threat. The Meta-owned firm has shared that more than 39,000 websites have been discovered attempting to steal user details via convincing fake login pages. Not only WhatsApp but Meta-owned other social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Facebook Messenger are also caught up in the scam.

The new phishing scam that is hitting WhatsApp users is operated by cybercriminals by luring victims to websites that appear to be original websites of companies, banks, and others, but, it's all fake. These fake sites' content is designed in a way to persuade users to enter sensitive information, like a password or email address. SO you will find that if you click on a strange link, it will take you to a fake WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram page. Innocent users who don't realise what is happening, share their login and passwords and end up losing their money.

You may be interested in

7% OFF
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • Black Titanium
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
Google Pixel 8 Pro
  • Obsidian
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
34% OFF
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G
  • Green
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
  • Black
  • 6 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage

Meta has said that more than 39,000 phishing websites have been created impersonating the login pages of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp. These websites prompt users to enter their usernames and passwords. They then use a relay service to redirect internet traffic to the phishing websites in a way that obscured their attack infrastructure.

Also read
Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here.

To deal with these data-stealing websites and prevent users from falling victim to such scams, Meta has filed a lawsuit against cyber thieves. In one of its blog posts, Facebook said, "Today, we filed a federal lawsuit in California court to disrupt phishing attacks designed to deceive people into sharing their login credentials on fake login pages for Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp.”

According to Facebook, this lawsuit will protect users and send a clear message to those who try to misuse the platform and increase the accountability of those who abuse technology.

Meta has warned the users to not enter any details if they get an email, text or WhatsApp message asking them to login into any of their Facebook-owned accounts via some website.

The social media platform has also asked to not click any links or attachments, emails or messages claiming to be from Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram.

 

How to find out if the website is fake

Notably, users should check the URL. All emails from Facebook come from fb.com, facebook.com or facebookmail.com and one can always visit www.facebook.com or open their Facebook app to check for important messages from the firm.

Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

First Published Date: 23 Dec, 14:21 IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS