A new text scam is circulating in parts of Europe, targeting WhatsApp users by tricking them into providing personal security codes. The scam starts with a message asking for a vote in a contest, claiming to be from a friend’s relative. Clicking the link in the message leads to a fake website where users are prompted to vote and provide their phone number and a verification code. This information is used by cybercriminals to access the victim’s WhatsApp account and send fraudulent messages to their contacts.
Bitdefender has identified this scam, warning users not to share verification codes with anyone and to be cautious of suspicious messages. The scam has been active in countries like Poland, Romania, and Germany, with a growing number of fraudulent domains and URLs being deployed to target users. If hacked, users are advised to request a new verification code, contact WhatsApp support, inform their bank if money is transferred, and notify their contacts about the compromise.
WhatsApp also emphasizes the importance of not sharing verification codes with others to protect user accounts. The platform sends push notifications when someone tries to register a WhatsApp account with the user’s phone number, prompting users to keep their verification code confidential. It is crucial to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to prevent falling victim to such scams.