In a recent chat with radio dzBB, Col. Jay Guillermo from the Philippine National Police-Anti Cybercrime Group revealed scammers are upping their game by sidestepping telecom providers and sneaking into our favorite apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook.
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These crafty scammers dodge traditional detection methods because these apps connect directly to the internet, giving them a free pass.
Guillermo spilled the beans on their sneaky strategy, explaining how they exploit a loophole in SIM card registration. Instead of playing by the rules, scammers initiate communication through apps, tricking users into sharing personal info and one-time passwords.
Guillermo’s advice? Don’t take the bait! He stressed the importance of reporting and not falling for these scams, urging users to be proactive and even keep a record.
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And don’t let the tech tricks fool you. While voice imitation software exists, Guillermo assured us that scammers are more likely to impersonate famous folks than your Aunt Mildred.
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When it comes to online transactions, Guillermo waved the caution flag. Be skeptical of pleas for financial help and double-check through official channels.
Change those passwords regularly, especially for your go-to social media accounts.
Sadly, scammers often prey on vulnerable individuals, like the less tech-savvy or our beloved grandparents.
So, next time your phone pings with a suspicious request, ask yourself, is this legit or just another cyber con job?”
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