In recent years, WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool, but also a fertile field for cybercrime. Through apparently harmless messages, scammers manage to access personal data, bank accounts and even supplant identities. This type of deception, increasingly sophisticated, has put millions of users around the world that many times do not detect fraud until it is already too late. The authorities have warned about the growing number of complaints related to digital scams and ask for greater caution when receiving unknown messages.
The digital world, although it offers countless benefits, hides a hidden danger that many people underestimate. Cybercriminals use the trust generated by an application such as WhatsApp to enter the private life of users. In many cases, messages include links that redirect to false pages or codes requests They end up giving total access to accounts. These scams not only affect the economic but also emotional level, since many victims experience a sense of vulnerability difficult to overcome.
Combating cybercrime has become an urgent task for both security forces and technological platforms themselves. A combination of digital education, more robust verification systems and greater international collaboration to stop those who operate from virtual anonymity is needed. The variety of fraud that circulates demands constant surveillance and a more conscious use of technological tools, especially in spaces where trust is usually above skepticism. During the last days the alerts have been fired regarding a scam that has acquired popularity among cybercriminals, related to one of the Functions that have practically activated all of Spaniards on their mobile phones.
WhatsApp scam that we can all suffer
The automatic file discharge function on WhatsApp, activated by default on many devices, is designed to facilitate immediate access to the content received in chats and groups. However, this comfort can become an open door to digital threats such as viruses, malware or corrupt files. By not requiring the user’s prior authorization, the system can store potentially dangerous elements on the device that, in some cases, have been designed to steal personal information, passwords or even bank data. Cybersecurity experts alert about the risks involved in keeping this option without supervision, especially given the increase in malicious files that circulate on messaging platforms.
How to deactivate the function in iOS?
Deactivating automatic file download on WhatsApp is a recommended measure to protect user privacy and avoid device storage saturation. In devices with iOS system, the procedure is similar although with slight differences in the interface. When opening WhatsApp, the user must go to the settings tab located at the bottom of the screen. Once inside, The option “Data and Storage” must be selectedwhere the configurations related to automatic file download appear. In this menu, it is possible to customize whether the photos, videos or audios are discharged only with Wi-Fi connection, always or never, providing greater control over the use of data and the safety of the content received.
How to deactivate the function on Android?
The Android process is executed in a similar way but varying some terminologies. The first step begins when the application opens and click on the three vertical points located in the upper right corner. From there, you must enter the settings section and then select “chats”. Within this section, The option “Visibility of multimedia files” is foundthat when deactivated prevents photos, videos, audios and other files to be automatically saved in the telephone gallery.