The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is warning members of the public to remain vigilant against recent scam attempts involving compromised WhatsApp accounts and the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including deep fake technology, to impersonate trusted individuals and defraud victims.
Criminals may attempt to take control of a WhatsApp account by obtaining a victim’s verification code or by deceiving them into sharing personal or account information. This has frequently been executed by means of contacting victims via WhatsApp and misinforming them that the code being sent to their phones is in relation to a scheduled “Zoom” meeting. Thereafter, the victims are prompted to transmit the six (6) digit code to the bad actors not knowing that the code represents the key for their WhatsApp account to be migrated to a new device. Once an account is compromised, the offender may impersonate the account holder and contact family members, friends or business associates requesting money, financial assistance or sensitive information.
Protect yourself:
If You Believe You Have Been Defrauded
Contact your financial institution immediately if money has been transferred or financial information has been disclosed. Preserve relevant WhatsApp messages, telephone numbers, screenshots, transaction information, emails, audio, video and any other evidence.
Report suspected fraud or account compromise to the Bermuda Police Service as soon as possible.
BPS reminds the public: Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated technology to make scams appear genuine. Take a moment to verify before you trust, click or transfer money.
Any content which is considered unsuitable, unlawful, or offensive, includes personal details, advertises or promotes products, services or websites, or repeats previous comments will be removed.
User comments posted on this website are solely the views and opinions of the comment writer and are not a representation of or reflection of the opinions of TNN or its staff.
TNN reserves the right to remove, edit or censor any comments.
TNN accepts no liability and will not be held accountable for the comments made by users.