Fake WhatsApp Messages Targeting BW Team Members

Several Barry-Wehmiller team members have reported receiving scam messages that appear to have been sent by BW leaders. Most recently, reports include fake messages from Kyle Chapman, among others, and are increasingly showing up through WhatsApp in addition to SMS text messages.

Often, bad actors have found their target mobile phone numbers through various websites. They then connect the phone number with a team member’s personally identifiable information (PII), including employment details, from LinkedIn and other social media and networking platforms. 

Here is an example of a fake incoming WhatsApp message. While the message has Kyle Chapman’s picture and name, the phone number is NOT Kyle’s. 

Note: The question, “Are you at the office?” is a common conversation-starter by a scammer. 

What should I do if I receive a WhatsApp or SMS text message that I suspect is a scam?

• Stop, look and think before taking any action! 
• Consider: Is this type of messaging—whether text or WhatsApp—something you’d expect from that person? 
• Look for other red flags, such as misspellings, grammar errors and an unexpected sense of urgency. 
• Don’t provide confidential information, return a phone call or text back if you have any reason to suspect a scam. 
• To verify the validity of the message, contact the sender through an alternate method, such as a BW email address, a Microsoft Teams message, a verified business or personal phone number (not the one in the text message), or in person.
• If you determine the text message is malicious, delete it and block the phone number.

Questions? Please contact your service desk. 

• Enterprise IT Service Desk: IT Service (BW-Enterprise)
• Design Group Help Desk: Design Group IT Help