WHATSAPP ACCOUNT HACKING FRAUD
- Recently, there have been complaints at cyber-crime police stations about a new type of fraud where WhatsApp accounts are being hacked, leading to financial losses.
- In this type of fraud, a message will be received with a 6-digit WhatsApp activation code on your phone from numbers like +91 5XXXXXX1.
- After this, someone will contact you through WhatsApp message from an unknown number, claiming that their 6-digit (123456) WhatsApp activation code has been sent to your phone by mistake, and they will ask you to forward the code to them.
- Believing this to be true, many people send the 6-digit WhatsApp activation code they received to the fraudster.
- As soon as the fraudster receives the code, they can hack your phone number without your knowledge and create new WhatsApp Business accounts. As a result, your WhatsApp account will be disabled.
- Then, the fraudsters will use your hacked WhatsApp account to send messages to your friends and family, pretending to be you. They will say they need urgent help, like they met with an accident or need medical assistance, and will ask for transfer money to their bank account or payment platforms like GPay, PhonePe, or Paytm.
- In addition, they will ask your contacts for the WhatsApp activation code from their phones to hack their WhatsApp accounts as well.
In this regard, Tr. A. Arun, IPS., Commissioner of Police for Greater Chennai, has requested the public with the following advice:
- WhatsApp will never send an activation code to anyone other than the account owner.
- Do not share the 6-digit WhatsApp activation code that you receive on your phone with anyone.
- If you receive a call from an unknown or suspicious number, immediately REJECT the call and BLOCK the number.
- Be cautious when receiving calls from unknown individuals. Verify identities and never share personal or financial information.
- If you receive a message from an unknown number asking for the WhatsApp activation code, OTP and other personal details do not send it.
- He urged the public to report any online financial loss immediately to the Cybercrime helpline number 1930 and in the website address https://cybercrime.gov.in for further assistance.
- If you need immediate assistance in such incidents, please contact the nearest police station or the emergency helpline number 100.
