A horrifying new WhatsApp scam that can steal access to your accounts with just one phone call! Know how to avoid this threat.
Whether it’s email, SMS, bank account logins or social media, cybercriminals are extending their reach into every aspect of our daily lives. And guess what, the most used messaging app today, WhatsApp has become a platform for cyber fraud in a new way. WhatsApp scams are happening all too often these days with hackers adopting new tactics to fool innocent users into taking control of their data especially dealing with bank accounts. Now, another way has been found by hackers, even more cunning. This WhatsApp scam allows hackers to take control of your account with just one phone call! And that’s it! Just one phone call and your WhatsApp account access will be in the hands of cybercriminals.
The new WhatsApp scam has been highlighted by Rahul Sasi, founder and CEO of CloudSEk, which is a contextual AI startup that warns of potential cyber dangers or scams. island. According to the cyber expert, the victim received a call from the hacker instructing them to dial a number starting with ’67’ or ‘405’. Those who followed and did so found that they were logged out of their accounts and moreover, the hackers would have full control over their WhatsApp accounts. Also read: Zoom ALERT! iPhone, Android or Windows users are at high risk; Do it now
According to the founder of CloudSEK, the number the victims called is a service request to ‘forward calls’ by Airtel when your phone line is busy or busy. They can then redirect the victim’s calls to one of their phone numbers. In the meantime, the attackers initiate the WhatsApp registration process by selecting the “option to send OTP via phone call.” He said that the OTP will now be sent to the attacker’s phone. Through this technique, the attacker can gain access to the victim’s account. Also read: Got an Apple iPhone? Be careful! Hackers Target You With Dangerous Coin-Stealing Malware FluBot
According to the security researcher, the same method can also be used to access anyone’s WhatsApp account. “This method works globally because every country and service provider has some of the same service requirements,” Rahul Sasi mentions.
How to avoid becoming a victim of this WhatsApp scam?
- Scammers will try to contact you. The simple trick is to avoid receiving calls from unknown numbers or making calls to unknown numbers.
- Don’t get trapped! If a hacker asks you to dial any number or tries to get any personal or financial details, never share that.
- If you know of a scammer or hacker, report them. You can also report it directly on WhatsApp, while going to Settings – Help and then Contact Us. There, explain your problem and report the scam.
