A new text scam is circulating in certain parts of Europe, with cybercriminals using emotional tactics to deceive WhatsApp users. The scam involves receiving a message urging you to vote in a contest for someone’s child. Clicking on the provided link leads to a fake website requesting your phone number and a verification code, ultimately giving scammers access to your account.
Bitdefender has detected this fraudulent scheme, warning users not to share their verification codes with anyone, including friends or family. The attackers exploit users through fake voting contests, aiming to take over accounts and steal money. The scam has already affected users in countries like Poland, Romania, and Germany, with potential risks in the UK.
To prevent falling victim to such scams, users are advised to verify requests for money or favors through direct calls, report suspicious messages within WhatsApp, and never share verification codes. In case of a hack, users should request a new verification code, contact WhatsApp support, inform their bank about any transferred funds, and notify their contacts about the breach.
WhatsApp emphasizes the importance of not sharing verification codes with others and alerts users to be cautious if they receive notifications about someone trying to register an account with their phone number. It is crucial to maintain account security by following these precautions and staying vigilant against potential scams.
