As incidents of scams on Viber increase, users are being reminded to adjust their privacy settings to better identify potential fraudsters before engaging in conversation.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of proactive measures to recognize scammers early. Here are some key recommendations for users.
Enable Automatic Spam Check
Viber offers a feature that scans messages from unknown contacts for harmful content, including suspicious links and email addresses. To activate this setting, navigate to Advanced – Settings – Privacy – Automatic Spam Check.
Activate Message Requests
This option directs all messages from unknown contacts to a separate folder, allowing users to clear it without reading the contents. To enable this, go to Advanced – Settings – Privacy – Message Requests.
Turn on Caller Identification
This feature automatically flags calls from unknown numbers as potentially safe or dangerous based on spam or fraud indicators. Users can find this option in Advanced – Settings – Calls and Messages – Caller Identification.
Look for the Blue Checkmark
A blue checkmark next to a contact’s name indicates that they have been verified by Viber. This helps users ensure they are communicating with legitimate businesses rather than imposters.
Recognizing Scammers in Communication
While each scam may have unique characteristics, several common signs can help users identify fraudulent messages. These include:
- Grammatical Errors and Illogical Sentence Structure. Mistakes in grammar and punctuation, along with overly promotional or awkward phrasing, can be red flags.
- Artificial Urgency and Emotional Manipulation. Scammers often create a sense of panic or urgency, such as offering limited-time deals or warning about potential financial losses.
- Suspicious Links and Attachments. Links from scammers may lead to phishing sites aimed at stealing personal information. Users should always check for “https” at the beginning of a URL as a basic security indicator.
Viber specialists recommend exercising caution with any materials from unknown contacts and verifying the security of links.
Steps to Take After Receiving a Scam Message
The most effective way to protect oneself from future scam attempts is to block the scammer.
To do this, select the relevant chat, tap the information icon (Android) or the chat name (iOS) at the top of the screen, then choose Chat Information – Block this Contact.
In addition to blocking, users are encouraged to report scams directly to Viber’s team, helping moderators quickly address fraudulent activities and improve spam filtering systems.
Maintaining vigilance, responding quickly, and implementing appropriate security settings are essential strategies for safeguarding against cyber threats on the messaging platform.
With a rise in scams on Viber, users are advised to enhance their privacy settings. Key recommendations include enabling spam checks and caller identification to better protect against fraud.