Warning to South Africans - New WhatsApp Scam Tactics and Meta’s Safety Updates
South Africans are being urged to stay alert as WhatsApp scams surge, with criminals using video calls, impersonation, and SIM swaps to steal money and personal data.
Meta — owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — has introduced new safety tools to help protect users, after disrupting 8 million scam-linked accounts this year.
New WhatsApp Safety Features
Meta says the fight against scams is “relentless” and has rolled out several new protections:
-
🔒 Screen-sharing alerts: Users now get a warning when trying to share their screen with an unknown contact during a video call — helping prevent exposure of personal details.
-
🧠 Privacy Checkup: Guides users through security settings and recommends updates like stronger passwords.
-
👆 Biometric sign-in: Users can now verify identity with fingerprint, face, or PIN, adding an extra layer of security.
These tools aim to help users recognise and avoid scams rather than just rely on account bans.
How Scammers Target WhatsApp Users
Cybersecurity expert Lucas Molefe warns that criminals are increasingly impersonating friends, family, or colleagues to trick victims into sharing money or one-time passwords (OTPs).
Key tactics include:
-
SIM swap fraud: Attackers hijack your phone number through phishing or fake support messages, then use it to access WhatsApp, banking, or email accounts.
-
Impersonation scams: Fraudsters clone numbers or use stolen profile photos, claiming they’ve changed numbers or need urgent help.
-
Phishing links: Messages or calls pretending to be from a bank or service provider, asking for OTPs or prompting clicks on fake links.
“Scammers exploit urgency and trust,” Molefe said. “They pretend to be someone you know — often saying things like, ‘Can you quickly send me that OTP?’ — and people comply because they recognise the name or profile picture.”
How to Stay Safe
-
Never share your OTP or verification code with anyone — not even friends or family.
-
Use two-step verification in WhatsApp settings.
-
Be cautious of video calls or messages from new or cloned numbers.
-
Report suspicious accounts directly in the app.
Meta says the new measures are part of its broader effort to empower users with awareness and tools to stop scammers before they strike.
Do you need a Quote for our Tax and Accounting Services?
Contact our team via any of the following channels to get a proposal for your accounting and tax services:
Subscribe to our newsletters.
Purchase Contract TEMPLATES and BUSINESS STATIONERY at www.ZEELIEONLINE.com
Disclaimer:
The views or opinions expressed on this site are solely those of the original authors and other contributors.
The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only.
This information is for general purposes only. Don't use this information for making business, legal and tax decisions without consulting a professional.
We do not make any express or implied representation, as to the completeness or accuracy of the information published.
Tax law regularly changes, so any tax information on this site could become outdated.
We are not responsible for any other websites that you may access through links on our website.
ZPA accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of any material on this site.
