WhatsApp launches new marketing campaign, titled ‘Stay safe with WhatsApp,’ which aims to educate users on product features and safety measures on WhatsApp that empower users to take control of their safety and security – online.

Because user safety is at the heart of WhatsApp, the company is increasing awareness of its product features and tools that can help users avoid online scams and fraud. While scammers can be convincing and persistent, consumers must remain vigilant.

To ensure a safer messaging experience, the safety campaign reinforces the message of staying safe and exercising caution.

Here are some key WhatsApp safety features and best practices for users to avoid messaging scams and protect their friends and family.

• Turn on Two-Step Verification: WhatsApp allows users to add an extra layer of security to their account by enabling the Two-Step Verification feature, which requires a six-digit PIN when resetting and verifying your WhatsApp account. Two-step verification safeguards your account against phishing attacks and takeover attempts by scammers.

• Block and Report suspicious accounts: Reporting suspicious messages is an important step to effectively combat scams. For instance, WhatsApp provides a convenient way to report suspicious accounts. If the message is from an unknown person asking for unusual information or with an odd request, contact the organization or person directly for clarification and, in the meantime, avoid sending any money or sharing any personal information. Unlike traditional SMS or other platforms, WhatsApp gives you the option to block and report the sender right away to break the cycle of scams. Users may also receive calls from unknown international or domestic phone numbers, do not answer these calls, and block and report such accounts.

• Adjust Group privacy settings: WhatsApp’s privacy settings and group invite system allow users to decide who can add them to groups, increasing user privacy and preventing people from adding you to groups you don’t want to be a part of. If you find yourself in a group chat that seems suspicious, you can choose to exit the group and report it.

• Privacy settings to control who sees your details: Users can control their details such as – Profile Photo, Last Seen, Online status, About, Status, and who sees it – everyone, contacts only, select contacts or no one. You can also control your online presence by selecting who can and can’t see when you’re online, for the times you want to keep your online presence private. Keeping your details visible to only your contacts can help safeguard your account against bad actors.

• Do not share your personal information with anyone: We transact within the online world daily and thus protecting our personal information and privacy is essential when using the internet. Avoid sharing sensitive information such as your address, phone number, passwords, credit/ debit card numbers, and bank account information.

• Stop and think before you act: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, tricking unsuspecting individuals into giving up sensitive information. They also use impersonation (pretending to be a person or organisation you would trust) and often send fake phishing links. When you receive a text or request that looks suspicious, don’t act right away. Stop and take five before you respond, think if this an unusual request, and avoid clicking suspicious, unverified links.