Scam Aiming at Friends and Family and Spreading Through WhatsApp Groups: Report

WhatsApp scams have become increasingly prevalent, encompassing a variety of deceptive tactics designed to exploit users' trust and manipulate them into divulging sensitive information or transferring funds. These schemes range from impersonation to phishing, investment, and prize scams. Recently, a new form of scam targeting WhatsApp users has emerged, prompting caution among those utilizing the platform.

The scam involves fraudulent actors impersonating members of WhatsApp group chats, often employing fake profile pictures and display names to appear legitimate. They initiate unexpected audio calls to victims, claiming that they will receive a one-time passcode (OTP) to join a group video call. However, the true intention is to gain unauthorized access to the victim's account. Under the guise of registering for the call, the scammer persuades the victim to share the OTP, which is then used to register the victim's WhatsApp account on a new device, effectively hijacking it.

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Once in control of the victim's account, scammers can exploit the trust of the victim's contacts by sending messages soliciting money or spreading further scams. The activation of two-step verification by the scammer locks the victim out of their own account, compounding the impact of the scam.

The UK's leading cybercrime reporting center, Action Fraud, has received numerous complaints from victims, highlighting the widespread nature of this scam. Detective Superintendent Gary Miles, head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police, emphasized the importance of vigilance, noting that anyone can fall prey to such fraudulent schemes despite WhatsApp's integral role in communication.

As WhatsApp remains a popular platform for communication globally, users are urged to exercise caution and skepticism, especially when receiving unexpected calls or messages requesting sensitive information. Awareness of the tactics employed by scammers is crucial in mitigating the risk of falling victim to WhatsApp scams.