Cyber Defence Digest
Publication Date: 15 June 2026Coverage: Mobile Apps, Social Media & Online Safety
Digital Safety Watch provides practical cyber safety guidance for the public, students, parents, and community organisations. This edition highlights emerging scams and security issues affecting popular mobile applications and online services.
⚠ WhatsApp Account Takeover Scams
Risk Level: 🔴 HighAffected App: WhatsApp
How: Attackers impersonate friends or WhatsApp Support and persuade users to disclose the six-digit verification code received by SMS.
Impact: Loss of WhatsApp account | Identity impersonation | Scams targeting family and contacts
Stay Safe: Never share verification codes, enable Two-Step Verification, and verify unexpected requests by calling the sender.
Reference: WhatsApp Safety Centre
⚠ Fake Banking Apps and Investment Scams
Risk Level: 🔴 HighAffected Apps: Android & iPhone
How: Criminals distribute fake banking and investment applications through websites, advertisements, and messaging platforms.
Impact: Financial loss | Stolen banking credentials | Identity theft
Stay Safe: Download apps only from Google Play or the Apple App Store and verify the publisher before installation.
Reference: National Cyber Security Guidance
⚠ Facebook Marketplace Fraud
Risk Level: 🟠 HighAffected Platform: Facebook Marketplace
How: Fraudsters advertise fake products or request advance payments before disappearing without delivering goods.
Impact: Financial loss | Personal information disclosure
Stay Safe: Meet sellers in public places, avoid advance payments, and use secure payment methods whenever possible.
Reference: Consumer Protection Guidance
⚠ QR Code Payment Scams
Risk Level: 🟠 HighAffected Platform: Mobile Banking & Digital Wallets
How: Fake QR codes redirect users to fraudulent payment pages or transfer money directly to criminals.
Impact: Unauthorised payments | Banking fraud
Stay Safe: Verify the recipient before scanning QR codes and never scan codes received from unknown sources.
Reference: Banking Security Awareness
⚠ AI Voice Impersonation Scams
Risk Level: 🟠 HighAffected Platforms: Messaging Apps & Phone Calls
How: Criminals use AI-generated voices to impersonate relatives, colleagues, or public officials and request urgent money transfers.
Impact: Financial fraud | Social engineering | Identity deception
Stay Safe: Confirm urgent requests through another trusted communication channel before sending money or sensitive information.
Reference: Cyber Security Awareness Reports
⚠ Android App Permissions
Risk Level: 🟡 MediumAffected Platform: Android Devices
How: Some applications request unnecessary access to contacts, SMS, location, camera, and microphone.
Impact: Privacy loss | Personal data collection | Increased security risk
Stay Safe: Review app permissions regularly and uninstall applications that request excessive access without a valid reason.
Reference: Android Security Best Practices