This personal data should never be shared on WhatsApp even with anyone you trust.
Every day, millions of people use the instant messaging app WhatsApp. It is very useful, but unfortunately it also awakens the ingenuity of cybercriminals.
Often times, they don't need much to set up their scams, but even so, the more complex it is, the better.
Since using WhatsApp for everything is part of the daily routine of many users, it is natural that sometimes care is not taken when it comes to sharing some personal data as well. But even if the application is end-to-end encrypted, there is information that is not recommended to be shared in this way. We tell you the basics to avoid any concerns.
- Bank and credit card details
The main problem with sharing personal data via WhatsApp is that, even if you trust the recipient, you can never be sure that their device has not been hacked, or that someone has stolen it after sharing it with them and saving it on their device. Not to mention that even the user, even if unintentionally, may share that information by mistake.
The main problem is that scammers often use phishing tactics to trick people into sharing their banking details. They may pretend to be trusted entities or ask you for sensitive information. If you send this data via WhatsApp, you are making it easier for scammers to gain access to your financial network sooner or later.
- Identity documents
At first glance, it may seem that sending a photo of your ID, passport, etc. via WhatsApp does not take long, but this is not the case at all. If these documents fall into the hands of fraudsters, they can use them to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, or even take out loans in your name.
Not only will this damage your credit history, but it can also get you into legal trouble. Not to mention, criminals use them for fraudulent activities, which is also more common than you think.
- Passwords and codes
As much as WhatsApp prides itself on being end-to-end encrypted, that doesn’t guarantee that your information is completely secure. You should always keep in mind that there is a chance that your phone or the phone of the person you share your password with could be hacked.
What happens next? Well, that information could fall right into the wrong hands. If so, scammers will be quick to use your passwords to access your bank accounts, emails, social media, and the like, potentially leading to personal data loss, identity theft, and financial fraud.
- Real-time location
Letting people know where you are at a given moment doesn’t have to be a big deal. As long as it’s not someone with bad intentions, of course. The most famous example is the burglary: telling a thief when you’re leaving the house is an invitation to rob your home. But it’s not the only thing.
For example, the technological boom has made harassment more frequent than before, so it is advisable to feel especially jealous when sharing this information.
Therefore, there is a lot of personal data that should not be sent via WhatsApp. No matter how much you use this application, try to avoid making the mistake of believing that it is infallible or that everything goes right with it. More than anything else because cybercriminals deal with it in the same way... or maybe even better than users themselves.