The National Cyber Crimes Investigation Authority (NCCIA) has issued a warning over fraudulent “New Year greeting links” circulating online at the start of the new year.
According to details surfaced on Sunday, the NCCIA has urged the public to remain cautious of online fraud and said an alert had been issued to prevent financial and data-related losses, adding that the fake greeting links and messages offering bogus gifts are being widely shared during the New Year period.
The NCCIA has advised users not to click on unknown links and not to share their WhatsApp verification codes with anyone. The alert said the public should protect their celebrations from hackers and remain alert to online fraud.
Cyber security experts said fraudsters are sending New Year greeting cards on WhatsApp through fake app files and malware links, adding that the messages encourage users to click on a link to receive the card.
Experts advised people to ignore such links, as they pose a risk of phone hacking, saying that they warned that personal data, photographs, contact numbers and bank account details stored on mobile phones could fall into the hands of cyber criminals.
