Alert! Beware of this WhatsApp message that is going viral

Cybercriminals have been using new ways to target online users and the latest is a WhatsApp message which is being used to spread panic around the globe. This new message reportedly claims that a single message with a link will allow cybercriminals to steal all the money from a user’s bank account as soon as they click on the same.

The message has gone viral in many parts of the world, especially in London, causing panic among users. It has forced the City of London Police and Action Fraud UK have taken to Twitter, announcing that this is a hoax and users should not worry about the message.

“Straight from the City of London Police fraud team – Extremely sophisticated scam going about this morning. Definitely Danske bank customers but possibly all banks. You get a message saying a payment hasn’t been taken eg O2,Vodafone or EE [UK mobile providers] and to click here. As soon as you touch it the money is gone. They already have all your details and it’s the most advance scam the bank has ever seen. Pass this on to everyone. Please. This is from work this morning – they are being inundated with calls – thousands flying out of peoples accounts! Spread the word!” the message reads.

However,  Action Fraud’s official website has dismissed this. It has posted a notice stating that the “City of London Police hasn’t issued any alerts about fake messages from Danske Bank.”

What should you do?

Do not believe in any message that you get on any social media platform without checking its authenticity. WhatsApp itself has launched several tools including a forward message label which allows you identify messages that have been circulated multiple times. If the message claims to be from an official channel, you must go to the official website of the concerned authority to confirm before forwarding such messages.