⁠How To Stay Protected From Global WhatsApp Account Hacks

Criminal groups are finding new ways to take advantage of people on WhatsApp. WhatsApp says it blocked more than 6.8 million accounts in the first half of this year that were linked to scam centres, many of them run out of Southeast Asia. These centres use forced labour and organised crime networks to run multiple schemes at the same time.

The scams usually begin outside WhatsApp where a target might first be contacted on a dating app or through a random SMS. From there, the scam moves onto WhatsApp, where the victim is encouraged to take part in what looks like easy work or low-risk investing. The end goal is to get them to hand over money, often into cryptocurrency wallets where it cannot be traced.

Messages often share the same warning signs:

1. They could have typos and spelling errors
2. They send links to shady websites
3. They ask for urgent payments.

Scammers pretend to be family members, friends or even recruiters from well-known companies. Some go as far as building a fake friendship or romantic relationship before making financial demands.

 

What Is WhatsApp Doing To Fight Back?

 

WhatsApp has started rolling out tools that make it harder for scammers to lure people into unknown groups or one-on-one chats. If someone is added to a group by a stranger, a safety card now appears. This shows details about the group, lets people exit without ever opening the chat, and silences notifications unless they choose to stay.

For individual chats, WhatsApp is testing out a feature that alerts users when a message comes from someone not saved in your contacts. These alerts show extra details, like whether the number is registered abroad, so people can decide whether or not to reply.

The company is also working with others to take down larger criminal operations. One campaign traced back to Cambodia used ChatGPT to create messages, TikTok to draw people in and WhatsApp and Telegram to push them into depositing crypto. Meta, WhatsApp and OpenAI said they managed to shut down the scam before it reached more people.

 

 

What Warning Signs Should People Look Out For?

 

Safety specialists like ethical hacker Rachel Tobac say it helps to ask yourself some basic questions. Does the offer sound realistic? Are they asking for money up front? Are they pushing you to act quickly? If any of these ring true, there is a good chance it is a scam.

Romance scams are common, with criminals trying to build an emotional bond before asking for cash. A little while ago, the famous “Tinder Swindler” was a big example of this. Fake jobs are also a tactic we’re starting to see more of, with scammers posing as recruiters offering high salaries and work-from-home roles. Investment scams are still popular too, usually tied to crypto, stocks or property, all with the promise of easy profit. Then there are impersonation scams, where criminals pretend to be a family member in urgent need of help.

Another clear warning sign is anyone claiming you must pay to keep using WhatsApp. The company reminds users that the app is completely free.

 

What Can People Do To Protect Themselves?

 

1. Take A Pause
WhatsApp recommends stopping before you reply, asking yourself whether the request makes sense, and verifying the identity of the sender. If someone says they are a family member, pick up the phone and call the number you already know.

2. End The Chat
Use WhatsApp’s tools to block and report the number. Adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your details, and switch on two-step verification so no one can access your account without your PIN.

3. Be Careful What You Share
Don’t try forward links or attachments you are unsure about either. Delete the message instead, and remember that scams thrive on trust. Just do not engage, as doing so helps the scammers.