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Over the past few days, some NCRO members have reached out after seeing alarming posts on social media claiming that a “Cyber Crime Department” has issued a warning about a major WhatsApp scam scheduled to occur in the next ten days as we enter 2026.
The NCRO IT Team wants to help you separate fact from fiction.
What We Can Confirm
At this time, there is NO verified or official advisory from any recognized Cyber Crime Department, government agency, or national cybersecurity authority warning of a time-specific WhatsApp scam planned for early 2026.
Official cybercrime alerts are typically issued when:
- A scam is already active, or
- Authorities detect widespread fraudulent behavior in progress
They do not announce future scams with countdown timelines, as criminal activity is unpredictable and constantly changing.
Why Social Media Can Be Misleading
Social media platforms are powerful—but they are also a breeding ground for:
- Out-of-context warnings
- Forwarded messages with no credible source
- AI-generated videos or voice clips that sound official
- Well-intentioned friends sharing unverified information
A message that starts with:
“Forward this to everyone you know…” or “Cyber Crime Department warns…”
should always be treated with caution unless it can be verified through an official government or law-enforcement source.
The Real Risk: Ongoing WhatsApp Scams
While there is no confirmed scheduled scam, WhatsApp scams are very real and ongoing, including:
- Fake “verification code” requests
- Impersonation of authorities or companies
- Malicious links and attachments
- Requests to scan QR codes or link devices
These scams rely heavily on fear, urgency, and trust—which is why education is your best defense.
Stay Informed, Not Alarmed
This is exactly why NCRO continues to invest in member education around technology, AI, and cybersecurity. The goal is not to create fear—but to build confidence.
▶️ Watch the November 12 Webinar: AI for Beginners
If you missed it, or want a refresher, we strongly encourage you to watch the November 12 webinar on AI for Beginners.
Understanding how AI works today will help you:
- Spot fake videos and messages
- Recognize AI-driven scams
- Avoid falling for “too good to be true” content online
The replay is available now on the NCRO website.
Register Now: January 13, 2026, Cybersecurity Webinar
Cyber threats evolve—and so should our defenses.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Cybersecurity for NCRO Retirees
Cybersecurity for NCRO Retirees
Learn practical, step-by-step actions you can take to:
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- Secure your smartphone
- Protect your accounts
- Recognize scams before they cause damage
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This session is designed specifically for retirees and everyday technology users—no technical background required.
🛡 Final Reminder from the NCRO IT Team
- Don’t panic over social media warnings
- Verify information before sharing it
- Never share verification codes
- When in doubt, pause—and ask
Education is the strongest cybersecurity tool you have.
Stay curious. Stay cautious. Stay connected—with NCRO.
— NCRO IT Team
Content Generated with AI...
...with Edits and Modifications
At NCRO, we are proud to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and quality in all our content. Our articles are meticulously crafted by advanced AI technology, rigorously reviewed, and approved by our dedicated NCRO committees before being shared on our website. This thorough process ensures that our readers receive reliable and credible information they can trust.
