LINE pushes account security check amid rising phishing scams

LINE is urging users to conduct a security check on their accounts to bolster defenses against a rise in phishing scams. The messaging app is sending out "account health check" reminders through its official "Service Messages" green shield account. This initiative aims to ensure users have completed essential security settings.

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Verification codes are only used when the user themselves registers a new account, changes their phone, or transfers their account.

Recent fraudulent activities have seen scammers impersonating LINE and luring users to fake websites. These sites often request SMS verification codes, which, if provided, can lead to account theft. LINE emphasizes that any request for a verification code outside of legitimate account registration, phone changes, or account transfers is a scam. Verification codes are solely for these specific purposes and should never be shared in response to online polls, events, or other similar requests.

To enhance account security, LINE recommends users navigate to "My Account" within the app's settings for a comprehensive check. This involves confirming that the linked phone number can still receive SMS verification codes, ensuring the linked email address is accessible, setting a strong password, and binding at least one Apple or Google account. Users can verify if an Apple or Google account is linked by checking if the "unlink" option is displayed next to it.

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If someone asks you to enter a LINE verification code, it is a scam.

Beyond the account check, LINE also advises enabling the "Detect suspicious websites" feature. This function will display a "Suspicious website warning" below any dubious links shared in chats, helping users identify potential phishing attempts. In cases where an account is suspected of being compromised, LINE suggests immediately changing the password and disabling "Allow login from other devices" to minimize unauthorized access. If an account has already been hijacked, users can attempt to recover it using the "Log in again" feature within the app. It's crucial not to delete the LINE application, as this disables the recovery function. If recovery fails, users should contact LINE customer service for further assistance.

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If the button next to the Apple or Google account displays 'unlink,' it means the binding is complete.