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You need to look out for this new WhatsApp scam

You need to look out for this new WhatsApp scam
Patrick Devaney

Patrick Devaney

  • Updated:

WhatsApp is quite a secure app and its end-to-end encryption is renowned for protecting user privacy. The latest security features can only go so far, though. There is one element that will always remain vulnerable even if an app is up to date with all the latest security features and protocols. That rogue element, so to speak, is us. The human factor can help hackers break through even the most secure defenses an app could possibly have.

It is the human factor that sits at the heart of the latest WhatsApp scam to do the rounds. You need to look out for this one or you could fall victim, too.

WhatsApp hackers are trying to trick users into clicking fake links that will lock and steal their accounts

WhatsApp windows wallpaper

This latest WhatsApp warning is coming out of the Middle East where the Telecommunications Authority of the UAE has published a warning against this new type of scam. Unfortunate victims have seen their WhatsApp accounts completely hijacked with hackers then able to read their messages and, even scarier, send messages on their behalf.

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The scam works by sending a link to users who’ve recently installed WhatsApp on a new phone. What normally happens when this happens is WhatsApp sends a verification code to the user in order to prove their identity. In this case, however, the scammers are sending the code, along with a link, to users as a text message and asking them to click the link to prove their identity. The problems arise for users when they click the link.

Clicking a link on WhatsApp
If you click the fake link, you could lose your WhatsApp account

Whenever a user clicks the link, they confirm to WhatsApp that it is them, but they do it via the hacker. This then authorizes the hacker to control the user’s WhatsApp account and freezes them out.

The warning from the UAE says, “Mobile users should not share the verification code that is sent to them by SMS, otherwise, their account will be compromised. Many WhatsApp accounts were hacked this way, and subscribers lost all their details.” The scam has already claimed a lot of victims who no longer have control of their WhatsApp accounts. Worryingly, there are also reports that the scam has since been translated from Arabic into English and French, which means it could be coming to the U.S. and Europe.

beware this new whatsapp scam
Image via: Twitter – The scam has since been translated from Arabic to English

You always need to be extremely careful when opening attachments and clicking links that you’ve received in messages, particularly when the message comes from somebody you don’t know. Phishing scams, which try to trick you into handing over sensitive information, are on the rise globally. They’ve become increasingly sophisticated in recent times meaning it is much harder to spot scam attempts.

Fortunately, we’ve prepared an infographic containing 10 key steps you should take, if you’re suspicious about a message you’ve received. You can check out our guide for avoiding phishing scams by clicking here.

Patrick Devaney

Patrick Devaney

Patrick Devaney is a news reporter for Softonic, keeping readers up to date on everything affecting their favorite apps and programs. His beat includes social media apps and sites like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat. Patrick also covers antivirus and security issues, web browsers, the full Google suite of apps and programs, and operating systems like Windows, iOS, and Android.

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