Phishing attacks are not uncommon on WhatsApp, but during the holiday season, scammers are more active. One such phishing link is circulating which lures users with gifts but can steal a person's personal and financial details if you click on a link.
It has been reported that the link with Rediroff.ru can infect iOS and Android smartphones along with Windows PC. The coup would have affected a large number of users on WhatsApp.
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As per CNBC report, cyber attackers first send a link with Rediroff.ru in the URL to WhatsApp users along with the message. The message promises expensive rewards and gifts, but to claim the rewards, the user must complete a suspicious survey.
It was reported that once users finished filling out the questionnaires, they were redirected to a different website. Users were asked to fill in important information including name, age, address, bank details and other personal details. Scammers then manage to steal the data and sell it on the dark web.
Cyber criminals can also install potentially unwanted apps on the user's device. Attackers could also use the information to send spam emails to the user's contacts whose details were compromised.
Phishing attacks will never stop, but it's important for users to keep their eyes open and not believe everything they read online. The first thing users should do is verify the authenticity of the link. If the link contains Rediroff.ru in the URL, they should ignore the link and delete it.
No authorized company will send a message claiming to offer a gift. Even if this happens, the link and message content will be crafted accordingly. However, in suspicious messages, you will always find that the message is grammatically incorrect or the link is broken.
However, if you happen to click on any link accidentally then you should check your devices for any unwanted malware or unwanted apps.
If you also find apps that don't seem genuine to you, then uninstall the app immediately. The festive season is seen as the perfect occasion to trick unsuspecting users who are likely to believe in getting a gift.
