Mumbai: While WhatsApp calls might seem one of the most convenient options for many, receiving voice/ video calls or messages from unknown international numbers might land one in trouble.
There has been a massive increase in the number of fraudulent calls/ messages received via WhatsApp. People started complaining on Twitter that they are getting calls from countries like Ethiopia (+251), Malaysia (+60), Indonesia (+62), Kenya (+254), and Vietnam (+84). Observing the sudden increase in cybercrime, the Zee Business team decided to release an informative video to help citizens avoid falling into the trap of fraudulent WhatsApp calls or messages.
With an aim to let WhatsApp users in India understand the mechanism of fraudulent WhatsApp calls/ messages? DeepCytes social media expert & CEO Deepika Singh presented facts mentioning that specific data sets are sold to hackers. She also mentioned interesting facts on how automation using voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP) becomes a convenient option for hackers as compared to cellular numbers. There is a high possibility that these WhatsApp calls have been automated for mass calling.
Ethical Hackers Sachin Dedhia, also stated that there are also high chances that hackers might try to hack your phone through missed call on an experimental basis.
As this issue was responsibly raised by Zee Business, WhatsApp further carried out certain measures to block calls from international numbers.
The rise of online scams has prompted tech companies to invest heavily in developing innovative solutions that can identify and prevent fraudulent activities in real-time. DoT asked the company to take action, by making SIM card mandatory. WhatsApp will soon make SIM card mandatory to use the app on the phone. WhatsApp has also started intensifying its efforts toward deploying Artificial Intelligence to combat this menace.
Telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw further stated, “The government has discussed the issue of fraudulent calls/messages with WhatsApp. In response to the same, WhatsApp has assured continuous commitment to user safety in India.” The Telecom minister also launched the Sanchar Sathi portal on the occasion of world telecommunication and information society day This portal aims at helping users track their lost and stolen phones as well.
Highlighting the relevance of timely reportage on Cyber Crime, Zee Business managing editor Anil Singhvi said, “Zee Business has been consistent in reporting issues that can heavily impact the daily lives of citizens. We hope the informative videos and regular news updates on the ongoing fraudulent calls/messages have been an eye-opener for WhatsApp users to not answer/reply to calls or messages and report it immediately to the concerned authorities”.
Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India's leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 13 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528 million viewers through its linear and digital properties.
