WhatsApp hacking scam: How can you keep your account safe from scammers, click here to know!

PC: indiatoday

In the last few months, the country is witnessing a rise in the cases of online scams. Allegedly scammers are using new tricks to lure people and steal money. More recently, the Kolkata Police Cyber ​​Cell issued an alert about a new type of scam where scammers are hacking Facebook and WhatsApp accounts to extort money.

The warning has been issued to both WhatsApp and Facebook users in response to complaints received from a student and a businessman in the city. The complaints pertain to a cyber fraud that begins with impersonation on Facebook and involves hackers gaining unauthorized access to victims' Facebook profiles. Once access is gained, scammers reach out to victims' friends via Messenger.

How scammers are hacking WhatsApp 

The reported incidents first came to light on June 21 around World Yoga Day when scammers were reaching out to several individuals on the pretext of yoga classes. Reportedly, the fraudsters contacted people and invited them to join their purported yoga classes. To do this, they sent a link and asked receivers to click on it.

PC: HTTech

On clicking, the receivers were asked to share the 6-digit OTP code. Unaware of the scam, the victim shared the code, which is an OTP code for WhatsApp verification. As soon as the victim shared the code, the scammers got access to their WhatsApp accounts.

Once the scammers gain control over the hacked WhatsApp accounts, they start demanding money from the victim's account to their contacts. These requests are often made on the pretext of an emergency. The case is similar to the "Hello Mom" ​​scam, which has been reported in several countries. In some instances, criminals go even further by forcing victims to invest in cryptocurrency as a means of regaining access to their WhatsApp accounts.

PC: Moneycontrol

How to stay safe from WhatsApp hacking scam

To tackle the WhatsApp hacking scam, the Kolkata Police is warning netizens not to forward messages from unknown numbers requesting to share WhatsApp codes. Be wary of any suspicious messages, even from your contacts.

To protect yourself from WhatsApp hacking scams, here are some more security measures to consider:

• Beware of suspicious messages: Beware of messages that request you to share WhatsApp codes, especially from known contacts.
• Avoid forwarding such messages: If you receive any message asking for WhatsApp code or sensitive information, do not forward it to others.
• Verify money requests with contacts: If someone from your WhatsApp contact list asks for sensitive information or codes, even if they are known to you, verify them through any other means of communication such as a phone call or in-person conversation Take a step
• Enable Two-Step Verification: WhatsApp offers a two-step verification feature that adds an extra layer of security to your account. Enable it by going to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification. This will require a PIN set by you, which you will need to re-verify your phone number on WhatsApp.
• Report suspicious activity: If you find any suspicious messages, accounts, or activities on WhatsApp, report them to WhatsApp or your local law enforcement authorities.