It’s Christmas Day – a time for turkey and trimmings, mince pies in the afternoon and heartfelt messages to family and friends. For many of us, WhatsApp has become just as much a part of Christmas as crackers and carols. With 32.4 billion messages sent on the day, people use WhatsApp to arrange festive plans, share photos of toddlers in Santa hats, or send that perfect Christmas morning voice note.
But this holiday season, there’s more than just eggnog to think about. Tech experts and authorities around the world are urging WhatsApp users to stay extra vigilant – especially in the run-up to and during Christmas – because scammers and cybercriminals are taking advantage of the extra online activity.
What’s the WhatsApp Warning All About?
You might’ve seen headlines telling users “Don’t …” – don’t open suspicious messages, don’t click strange links, don’t share codes with anyone – especially during the Christmas rush when messages and forwards spike.
Here are a few of the risks people are being warned about:
Scam Messages & Fake Giveaways
- Around Christmas, fake messages promising free gifts, advent calendars, hampers or vouchers are circulating on WhatsApp. Often they look convincing, with festive branding and tempting offers.
- These messages usually include links that don’t lead to the official brands. Clicking them can expose your phone or personal details to scammers.
Imposter & Phishing Tricks
- Fraudsters sometimes send messages pretending to be friends or family – asking for money, a quick favour, or a code that WhatsApp sends you. Always double-check by calling or texting the person directly if something feels odd.
Account Hijacking Threats
- Cybersecurity warnings about techniques like GhostPairing show how attackers can abuse WhatsApp’s device linking to take over accounts without passwords. Experts recommend carefully checking your list of Linked Devices and enabling two-step verification.
How to Stay Safe This Christmas on WhatsApp
While Christmas is about joy and connection, a little caution online can keep the season merry:
Don’t Click Unfamiliar Links
Especially those promising free gifts or prizes – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Enable Extra Security
Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp settings – it adds an extra layer of protection if someone tries to hijack your account.
Don’t Share Your Codes
WhatsApp may send a verification code – never share this with anyone, even if the message seems urgent or from someone you know.
Keep the Conversation Jolly
Stick to sharing festive photos, Santa memes and warm greetings – and save the serious security checks for earlier in the day!
Final Thought
Christmas is one of the busiest times of year on apps like WhatsApp, where families and friends stay connected across the miles. But a little bit of awareness goes a long way – celebrating safely online makes the whole season happier. So go ahead and share that Christmas morning selfie … just don’t click on any suspicious links first! 🎄📱
