WhatsApp users have been urgently warned not to open a message which could empty their bank account in seconds.
Over the past year the number of scams has increased, as fraudsters try and get people's cash during the coronavirus crisis.
And now tech safety experts are issuing a fresh warning to those who use the messaging platform WhatsApp - reports Birmingham Live.
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Security researchers in the East of Europe have discovered the scam messages which fraudsters are utilising to steal cash from unwitting victims.
As a result, WhatsApp users are being urged to exercise caution and stay vigilant in the face of the fraudulent messages.
Anti-virus provider Kaspersky Lab said: "Unexpected parcels requiring payment by the recipient remained one of the most common tricks this past quarter.
"The reason for the invoice from the 'mail company' could be anything from customs duties to shipment costs.
"When trying to pay for the service, as with compensation fraud, victims were taken to a fake website, where they risked not only losing the amount itself (which could be far higher than specified in the email), but also spilling their bank card details."
“As in the past, we’re seeing attackers take advantage of new trends and disruptions to steal money and credentials, whether that’s a growing user of messengers or continued problem with mail delivery amidst a pandemic.
"Spam and phishing schemes are still some of the most effective ways to launch successful attacks because they play on human emotion.
"The best thing users can do is be wary of any unexpected emails and be very careful about clicking on any email attachments or links and go to the website directly."
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