Fraudsters hijack WhatsApp accounts through fake polls

In recent months, fraudsters have developed a new scheme to obtain personal data from WhatsApp users. This method is based on fake polls that are presented to users as legitimate surveys. The perpetrators use these requests to gain access to the victims' accounts and subsequently extort money from them.

The fraudsters send users links to supposed polls that are often linked to current topics or popular trends. These links lead to fake websites that appear to be from trusted sources. Once users click on the link and enter their data, the fraudsters gain access to their WhatsApp accounts.

Once in possession of the account information, criminals can use the victim's phone number to log into their WhatsApp account. This often happens by requesting a confirmation code that is sent to the victim's phone number. The fraudsters can then take control of the account and contact the victim's contacts.

Contact is often made with a request for money, with the fraudsters posing as the victim. They exploit the trust that exists between the victim and their contacts to demand sums of money. In many cases, an amount of around 500 euros is requested, which represents a significant sum for many people.

How to Protect Yourself

To protect themselves from this scam, users should take some precautions. First, it is important not to open links from unknown senders or enter personal information on unknown websites. Users should also ensure that they activate their two-factor authentication to provide additional protection for their account.

Furthermore, it is advisable to regularly check the security settings of the WhatsApp account. Users should ensure that they have the latest security updates and report any suspicious activities immediately. WhatsApp also offers the option to log out from a device if there is suspicion that the account has been compromised.

The police and consumer protection organizations warn about this new scam and advise users to remain vigilant. It is important to stay informed about the latest fraud attempts and not to be deceived by fake polls or surveys. Educating users about such scams is crucial to protecting them.

Fraudsters often use psychological tricks to manipulate their victims. They rely on urgency and try to create a sense of necessity to act quickly. This can lead victims to act impulsively and disclose their data without adequately questioning the situation.

The spread of this scam shows how important it is to be aware of the risks in the digital space. Users should regularly inform themselves about new fraud attempts and adjust their online security practices. Raising awareness about such issues can help reduce the number of victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

The police have already registered several cases of WhatsApp fraud and encourage the public to report suspicious activities. Cooperation between users, police, and platform providers is crucial to combat this scam and enhance internet safety.