Latest news with #LisaWebb
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
WhatsApp deletes over 6.8million scam accounts but experts say more action is needed
WhatsApp's parent company Meta says it has taken down millions of scam accounts that were targeting users globally. Millions of scam accounts have been removed from WhatsApp. Meta, the popular messaging app's parent company, has claimed it took down 6.8million accounts which were linked to scams in the first half of this year. The tech giant says that many of these suspicious accounts were tied to organised criminals in South East Asia, who often used forced labour to carry out scams targeting users all over the world. It comes as Meta announced new safety measures for WhatsApp, which aim to warn users of potential scams and fraudulent activity. This mass deletion of millions of accounts specifically targeted criminal operations which involve adding users to group chats to promote false investment schemes and other scams. And as AI continues to evolve, these scams have only gotten smarter. In one case, WhatsApp worked with Meta and OpenAI to disrupt scams linked to a Cambodian criminal group. The scammers were offering cash for likes on social media posts promoting a fake rent-a-scooter pyramid scheme, reported the BBC. Meta said scammers had used ChatGPT to create instructions issued to potential victims, who the cybercriminals would first contact with a text message before moving the conversation to social media or private messaging apps. These scams were usually completed on payment or cryptocurrency platforms. But while Meta says it has deleted 6.8million fraudulent accounts in the first half of this year alone, many claim the company should be doing more to prevent cyber crooks from being able to set up their scams in the first place. Consumer law expert Lisa Webb said: "Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp users are being inundated with fraudulent ads for everything from fake investment opportunities to dodgy products and non-existent job offers. "Meta needs to ensure that scams are prevented from ever appearing on its platforms in the first place. "Ofcom must now take action to enforce the parts of the Online Safety Act already in effect, and to issue robust rules governing fraudulent paid-for ads, so that tech firms are forced to take full responsibility for the content on their sites." The scam crackdown coincides with the UK's new Online Safety Act, which now requires social media platforms and websites to add age verification features to prevent young kids from accessing inappropriate content or pornography. Back in March, new rules requiring sites to protect all users from illegal content were introduced. And as of July 25, the Act introduced new rules specifically to protect children. The Gov website says: "Platforms are now required to use highly effective age assurance to prevent children from accessing pornography, or content which encourages self-harm, suicide or eating disorder content. "Platforms must also prevent children from accessing other harmful and age-inappropriate content such as bullying, hateful content and content which encourages dangerous stunts or ingesting dangerous substances. Platforms must also provide parents and children with clear and accessible ways to report problems online when they do arise." To adhere to these rules, sites, search engines and social media apps must also use algorithms that can filter out harmful material for younger users. But many people have complained that the new law puts age restrictions on vital content and sites that should not be deemed 'adult', including Reddit forum threads on alcohol and even some Wikipedia sections. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Shock WhatsApp block bans 6.8 MILLION people from app – exact rules you must never break to avoid same fate
See the rules every user must obey below WHAT'S 'APPENED? Shock WhatsApp block bans 6.8 MILLION people from app – exact rules you must never break to avoid same fate WHATSAPP has revealed its taken down 6.8million accounts in a huge crackdown on serious misuse. The Meta-owned messaging app said the banned accounts were linked to criminal scam centres targeting people across the world. 1 WhatsApp has worked with ChatGPT to disrupt one criminal scam gang Credit: Getty Many were tied to forced labour and run by organised crime gangs primarily situated in Southeast Asia, the firm claims. The 6.8million accounts in question were all banned in the first six months of 2025. "Based on our investigative insights into the latest enforcement efforts, we proactively detected and took down accounts before scam centers were able to operationalize them," the social networking giant said. "These scam centers typically run many scam campaigns at once – from cryptocurrency investments to pyramid schemes. "There is always a catch and it should be a red flag for everyone: you have to pay upfront to get promised returns or earnings." Meta notes one example where it worked with ChatGPT owner OpenAI to disrupt a criminal scam being run out of Cambodia. These tempted people with cash for liking social media posts to promote a fake rent-a-scooter pyramid scheme. It comes as a new group messaging safety overview is rolled out to users from today. This shows users key information when added to a group by someone not in their contacts. Meta has three tips to help individuals avoid being scammed on WhatsApp. WhatsApp reveals exacty how to block one of your contacts Pause Take time before you respond. Take time before you respond. Question : Question whether what's being asked makes sense and whether it's too good to be true. : Question whether what's being asked makes sense and whether it's too good to be true. Verify: If they're claiming to be a friend or family member, make sure that they are who they say they are by contacting that friend directly. "It's positive that WhatsApp has shut down 6.8 million accounts linked to scammers so far this year, but Meta must do much more to stop these criminals across all its platforms," said Lisa Webb, Which? Consumer Law Expert. "In 2023 alone, £341 million was lost to authorised push payment fraudsters - over half of those scams were reported as originating on Meta platforms. "For far too long, Meta has allowed scammers to run rampant across its platforms. "Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp users are being inundated with fraudulent ads for everything from fake investment opportunities to dodgy products and non-existent job offers. 'Meta needs to ensure that scams are prevented from ever appearing on its platforms in the first place."
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Shock WhatsApp block bans 6.8 MILLION people from app – exact rules you must never break to avoid same fate
See the rules every user must obey below WHAT'S 'APPENED? Shock WhatsApp block bans 6.8 MILLION people from app – exact rules you must never break to avoid same fate Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHATSAPP has revealed its taken down 6.8million accounts in a huge crackdown on serious misuse. The Meta-owned messaging app said the banned accounts were linked to criminal scam centres targeting people across the world. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 WhatsApp has worked with ChatGPT to disrupt one criminal scam gang Credit: Getty Many were tied to forced labour and run by organised crime gangs primarily situated in Southeast Asia, the firm claims. The 6.8million accounts in question were all banned in the first six months of 2025. "Based on our investigative insights into the latest enforcement efforts, we proactively detected and took down accounts before scam centers were able to operationalize them," the social networking giant said. "These scam centers typically run many scam campaigns at once – from cryptocurrency investments to pyramid schemes. "There is always a catch and it should be a red flag for everyone: you have to pay upfront to get promised returns or earnings." Meta notes one example where it worked with ChatGPT owner OpenAI to disrupt a criminal scam being run out of Cambodia. These tempted people with cash for liking social media posts to promote a fake rent-a-scooter pyramid scheme. It comes as a new group messaging safety overview is rolled out to users from today. This shows users key information when added to a group by someone not in their contacts. Meta has three tips to help individuals avoid being scammed on WhatsApp. WhatsApp reveals exacty how to block one of your contacts Pause Take time before you respond. Take time before you respond. Question : Question whether what's being asked makes sense and whether it's too good to be true. : Question whether what's being asked makes sense and whether it's too good to be true. Verify: If they're claiming to be a friend or family member, make sure that they are who they say they are by contacting that friend directly. "It's positive that WhatsApp has shut down 6.8 million accounts linked to scammers so far this year, but Meta must do much more to stop these criminals across all its platforms," said Lisa Webb, Which? Consumer Law Expert. "In 2023 alone, £341 million was lost to authorised push payment fraudsters - over half of those scams were reported as originating on Meta platforms. "For far too long, Meta has allowed scammers to run rampant across its platforms. "Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp users are being inundated with fraudulent ads for everything from fake investment opportunities to dodgy products and non-existent job offers. 'Meta needs to ensure that scams are prevented from ever appearing on its platforms in the first place."
UPI
5 days ago
- Business
- UPI
Whatsapp deletes 6.8 million accounts linked to scams
WhatsApp has taken down 6.8 million accounts linked to scammers around the world, Meta said. Photo by Hayong Jeon/EPA-EFE Aug. 6 (UPI) -- WhatsApp has taken down 6.8 million accounts linked to scammers around the world, Meta said. WhatsApp rolled out a new anti-scam measure to alert users of scams. Many of the scams were tied to criminal organizations in South East Asia, according to Meta. The criminals would hijack WhatsApp accounts for group chats to promote fake investment schemes using cryptocurrency as payment. Meta said WhatsApp "proactively detected and took down accounts before scam centers were able to operationalize them." U.K. consumer rights organization Which? Said "Meta must do much more to stop these criminals across all its platforms." "Meta needs to ensure that scams are prevented from ever appearing on its platforms in the first place. Ofcom must now take action to enforce the parts of the Online Safety Act already in effect, and to issue robust rules governing fraudulent paid-for ads, so that tech firms are forced to take full responsibility for the content on their sites," Consumer law expert Lisa Webb said. Meta announced some tips to avoid scams in private messaging, such as pausing, questioning, and verifying if the messages are legitimate.
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Amazon Prime Day 2025 warning as Which? says 'contact your bank immediately'
The consumer rights champion has discovered a fake Amazon advert and website that claims to sell 'unwanted stock' - but this is nothing to do with Amazon Which? has warned Amazon Prime Day shoppers to beware of scam websites that are designed to steal your money. The consumer rights champion has discovered a fake Amazon advert and website that claims to sell 'unwanted stock' - but this is nothing to do with Amazon. The advert reads: "Take advantage of the great savings that come with the large warehouses that are massively and aggressively clearing out slow-moving stock." Which? says the advert leads to a dodgy website that was created on May 30. The text on the website reads: "Limited time clearance-online warehouse discount! "Explore tens of thousands of products at unbeatable prices, with hassle-free returns and refunds and a one-year warranty. All products ship directly from our Amazon warehouse, from tools and lawn mowers to grills, vacuums, microwaves, luggage, patio sofas, clothing and kitchen items, electronics and more." Get the best deals and tips from Mirror Money WHATSAPP GROUP: Get money news and top deals straight to your phone by joining our Money WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The warning from Which? comes as Amazon Prime Day kicks off from July 8 until July 11. You can find all the best legitimate Amazon Prime Day deals from the Mirror shopping team. Amazon told Which?: "These are not legitimate Amazon messages, and scammers that attempt to impersonate Amazon put consumers at risk. We will continue to invest in protecting consumers and educating the public on scam avoidance. "We encourage consumers to report suspected scams to us so that we can protect their accounts and refer bad actors to law enforcement to help keep consumers safe." Lisa Webb, Which? Consumer Law Expert, said: "Shoppers will need to keep their wits about them as scammers are using Amazon Prime Day as a hook to part people from their hard-earned cash. "Which? has seen several scam ads on social media which lead to a fake Amazon website. Treat any deals which look too good to be true with suspicion and don't click on any links. You can visit the Amazon website directly to confirm if the deal is genuine. "You can report any suspicious social media posts by clicking on the three dots at the side of the post and selecting 'report' and dodgy websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre. "If you've given any card details, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card." How to report a scam If you've found a dodgy website, you can report it to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). For scam emails, forward them to report@ If you've received a scam text message, you can forward it to 7726 for free. If you think you've been called by a scammer, never give them your personal details. Hang up immediately and search for the contact details online of the place you're supposedly being called from. Never call back the number given to by the caller. If you think a scammer has got hold of your bank details, contact your bank straight away. You can call the 159 hotline, which will connect you to your bank. You should also change any passwords that may have been compromised. If you've lost money or have been hacked following a scam, you should report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report it to Police Scotland by calling 101.
