WhatsApp users warned over 'vote for my child' scam that could lock you out of account
A new WhatsApp scam has been spotted, and it's using a new tactic that could leave you locked out of your account and give cyber crooks total control of your messages
A dangerous new scam is spreading throughout Europe, and falling victim could result in being locked out of your WhatsApp account while cybercriminals gain complete access to your messages.
The emerging threat, identified by security experts at Bitdefender, employs a concerning new strategy that makes it easy to understand how people are being deceived.
The assault begins with an innocent-looking message that seems to come from someone in your contact list. It states "Hi! Please vote for Adeline in this contest, she's the daughter of a close friend. The main prize is a scholarship abroad. Thank you so much!". The news follows 'I learned how to swindle scammers into sending me money – here’s what I did’.
While this appears completely innocent, clicking the link directs you to a fraudulent website requesting your vote.
A prompt then appears demanding your phone number along with a verification code that will be sent to your device.
Naturally, no actual voting takes place as this is entirely a fraud designed to gain access to WhatsApp profiles.
When cybercriminals obtain both a phone number and that WhatsApp security code, they can hijack your account and prevent you from accessing it.
Following this takeover, they begin distributing additional fraudulent messages to your contacts, which can be utilized to deceive others into surrendering money or sensitive information.
"This gives attackers instant access to their accounts, which they then use to propagate the scam and defraud new victims of money," Bitdefender explained. The threat is currently ongoing, with attackers now deploying 177 fraudulent domains and 554 unique URLs, targeting thousands of users over the past two months alone.
"Bitdefender Labs has been monitoring a rapidly expanding campaign that exploits WhatsApp users through fraudulent 'voting contests' to take over accounts and steal money," Bitedender explained.
"This 'Vote for My Child' scam hijacks accounts by tricking users into sharing their verification codes, turning friends and family into unknowing amplifiers of the fraud."
So far, it appears the majority of the attacks have taken place in areas such as Poland, Romania, and Germany, but the UK could be next, so stay alert.
To help WhatsApp users stay safe, Bitefender has now issued some advice and tips on how to avoid being scammed. These include not sharing any codes and reporting strange messages.
Here's some of Bitedenders' advice and three rules to stop you getting scammed:.
• Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone - not even friends or family.
• Verify requests for money or favors through a direct phone call.
• Report suspicious messages within WhatsApp ("More → Report").
If hacked:.
• Try to regain control by requesting a new verification code.
• Contact WhatsApp support at support@whatsapp. com.
• Notify your bank if money has been transferred.
• Inform your contacts about the compromise.